Outcome of trachoma lid surgeries in Jigawa state, Nigeria

Background: Following the implementation of the SAFE strategy in Jigawa state, ophthalmic nurses trained as lid surgeons perform trichiasis surgery in the state. This study aimed to determine the early outcome of these surgeries with the specific objectives to determine the recurrence rate of trichiasis; the incidence of eyelid contour abnormality and incidence of eyelid closure defects 3–6 months postoperatively. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients operated for the first time between December 2012 and April 2013 in four zones in Jigawa state. Zones were selected based on the location of the most active surgeons. Patients were examined with torchlight for presence of recurrent trichiasis (TT recurrence), eyelid contour abnormality (ECA) and eyelid closure defects (ECD). Results: 133 eyes of 77 patients were examined; incidences recorded were TT recurrence 17.29% (95% CI 11.29–24.80%), ECA 18.93% (95% CI 12.64–26.67%) and ECD 5.3% (95% CI 2.15–10.62%). Incidence of poor outcome varied with zone and was associated with female sex, duration of symptoms >1 year preoperatively, bilaterally operated eyes, and paid surgery. Conclusion: The incidence of poor outcome measures was high across all zones evaluated. The risk factors associated with poorer outcome include late presentation, female sex, Bilateral surgery, and paid surgery.

Abstract licence: CC BY

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