Efficacy of a novel surgical approach: sutureless correction of conjunctivochalasis using new conjunctival forceps combined with high-frequency electrocautery.

Purpose: To investigate the efficiency, efficacy, and safety of application new conjunctival forceps combined with high-frequency electrocautery-assisted for treatment of conjunctivochalasis (Cch).

Methods: This study included data from 19 patients (22 eyes)with conjunctivochalasis who underwent treatment from January to December 2023. Cch correction was performed with our new conjunctival forceps (Patent Number: ZL 2022 2 0320601.0), which offers enhanced precision and stability in grasping the conjunctiva, combined with high-frequency electrocautery (Ellman, America) for sutureless correction. Surgical duration was recorded. Cch severity, assessed with lip-parallel conjunctival folds (LIPCOF), along with discomfort scored by Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), were compared pre- and post-operatively. A reduction in LIPCOF grade and complete healing of the conjunctival epithelium post-surgery within one month were considered successful outcomes. Healing and potential complications were checked at one week and one month.

Results: The mean surgical duration was 6.9 ± 1.5 minutes. Significant improvement in LIPCOF grades was observed over time (χ²=62.824, p<0.01), with 59.1% of eyes achieving grade 0 at 1 week postoperatively, increasing to 95.5% at 1 month. OSDI scores showed no difference between preoperative (38.54) and 1-week postoperative (41.67) values (p=0.922), but significantly decreased by 1 month (16.67, p<0.001). Complete healing was noted at electrode contact sites by 1 week, while incisions managed with novel conjunctival forceps showed 75% healing rate; all incisions were fully healed by 1 month. Mild postoperative congestion and edema resolved completely without major complications.

Conclusion: The new conjunctival forceps with high-frequency electrocautery for sutureless Cch correction proved to be efficient, effective, and safe.