title: Basic surgical principles of penetrating keratoplasty.
abstract: Surgical techniques of keratoplasty continue to be modified in an attempt to achieve ideal results, but basic surgical principles remain constant. Proper alignment of the donor graft is an important and consistent surgical principle in all types of keratoplasty. Closure of keratoplasty wounds should provide the most optimal environment for a secure water-tight wound, minimize contour distortion, and promote tissue healing. One provides the most ideal opportunity for desired surgical results by understanding and utilizing basic surgical principles.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Lanier
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating / Q000379:methods*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014945:Wound Healing