Approach to treatment of cicatricial ectropion: a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing surgical and minimally invasive options

Cicatricial ectropion can involve the skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, and septum to result in chronic tearing and keratopathy. Surgery involving the orbital rim or eyelid is a common cause. Minimally invasive techniques may provide alternative options for correction, but the comparative benefit to surgery is unknown. To compare the efficacy of surgical and minimally invasive minimally invasive treatment options for cicatricial ectropion. A comprehensive literature search of Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library published from 1960 to August 2019 was performed for studies that described any treatment of cicatricial ectropion. 1391 studies were found, of which 31 had extractable data for 299 patients. Pooling of outcome data occurred for the primary and secondary outcomes. The complete and partial response rates to treatment (primary outcomes) as well as the recurrence rate and physician global assessment of cosmesis (secondary outcomes) were analyzed. Surgical correction resulted in complete correction in 79% of patients compared to 63% of hyaluronic acid treated patients. Hyaluronic acid injection had a better aesthetic outcome, but a higher recurrence rate overall. Hyaluronic acid filler with a high G’ along with delayed dissolution trended toward a lower recurrence rate. Other minimally invasive treatments had little data. The literature found was limited to mostly single-center, observational studies. Hyaluronic acid may be a viable alternative for cicatricial ectropion in those patients who cannot undergo surgery. Further prospective studies are required to routinely recommend minimally invasive techniques.