Folliculectomy: Management in Segmental Trichiasis and Distichiasis
Suppapong Tirakunwichcha MD*, Uraiwul Tinnangwattana MD**, Parima Hiranwiwatkul MD*, Santipong Rohitopakarn MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University ** Relief and Community Health Bureau, Thai Red Cross
Objective : To propose a new surgical technique as an alternative method for the correction of segmental
trichiasis and distichiasis.
Materials and Methods : An interventional case series reviewed the segmental trichiasis and distichiasis patients
who were treated with folliculectomy in the Ophthalmology Department, King Chulalongkorn Memorial
Hospital. The data was collected from January 1997 to December 2002. The history, clinical features and
treatments were reviewed. Patients with the initial diagnosis of entropion were excluded.
Results : Nine segmental trichiasis and distichiasis patients (13 eyes) were reviewed. Eight eyes underwent
folliculectomy and one had folliculectomy with anterior lamellar recession. The follow-up time was 1-24
months. Nine of thirteen eyes (69.2%) were successfully treated with folliculectomy or folliculectomy with
anterior lamellar recession. Four eyes needed second operations due to the recurrence of the eyelashes.
Conclusion : Folliculectomy revealed good results in trichiasis and distichiasis. It should be considered as an
alternative technique because it is a simple and fast procedure.
Keywords : Folliculectomy, Surgery, Trichiasis, Distichiasis, Segment, Entropion
