Temporary suture tarsorrhaphy

PURPOSE: To describe a technique for performing a bolsterless temporary tarsorrhaphy. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis and surgical technique description. METHODS: Temporary suture tarsorrhaphy (TST), which consists of a suture through the upper and lower eyelid posterior lamella, was performed after eyelid or socket surgery. RESULTS: Over 15 years, > 1000 patients in the practice of one of the authors (R.L.A.) had TST that successfully maintained corneal coverage without complications in all but four eyes. In two patients, replacement was required because of tissue erosion; in two patients, the suture was placed too posteriorly and caused corneal irritation that required replacement. CONCLUSION: The TST is functionally equivalent to, or superior to, traditional bolster temporary tarsorrhaphy. The TST is faster and simpler, requires fewer materials, and avoids the risks of bolsters, which include eyelid margin necrosis, irregularities, and lash loss from vascular compromise.