Lateral rectus superior plication using non-absorbable sutures for adult onset esotropia

Introduction: divergence insufficiency esotropia is a common cause for acquired esotropia and diplopia in adults. We present a novel procedure, superior plication of the lateral rectus using non-absorbable sutures, to address this condition and analyze the surgical outcomes. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort analysis. Adult patients operated on by a single surgeon for adult-onset esotropia between 1/2022 and 6/2023 were included. Demographic and medical histories, as well as measurements of deviation preoperatively and postoperatively were extracted and compared. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were noted. Results: Included were 15 patients with a mean age of 51.1 ± 12.6 years, 67% were female and 67% were myopic. All underwent normal neuroimaging and negative myasthenia work up, and all reported diplopia. On last postoperative follow-up (mean 9.1 ± 6.1 months) only one case had manifest deviation. Overall mean distance deviation decreased from 25.7 ± 11 prism diopters (PD) to 0.16 ± 0.8 PD (p <.001) and near from 19.4 ± 16 PD to 0 ± 0 PD (p <.001). No patients had diplopia or required prisms postoperatively. Suture extrusion was documented in two cases, and one case of pyogenic granuloma was noted and was responsive to topical therapy. Discussion: This study presents a novel surgical procedure for the treatment of adult-onset esotropia. Among consecutive cases operated using the technique, one patient had mild esotropia on follow-up and no patients had diplopia. Minimal postoperative complications were noted, with suture extrusion being the most common. Superior lateral rectus plication appears to be a safe and reliable option for the treatment of adult-onset esotropia.