Experimental encircling scleral buckle with silicone and hydrogel: histopathologic and comparative study of 26 rabbit eyes.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze histologic changes induced by encircling elements, rabbit eyes were implanted with two different biomaterials.


METHODS
Thirty-seven rabbit eyes (37 rabbits) were implanted with encircling oval episcleral elements. Two materials were used: silicone sponge and hydrogel. The animals were killed and their eyes collected for histopathology. Of 37 eyes, 26 that were implanted for 111 to 455 days were selected for the study.


RESULTS
In 26 eyes, scleral buckling was visible. Scleral examination showed a regular erosion under the buckle, mainly with silicone. All explants were surrounded by a fibrous capsule, which was smooth and regular with silicone. With hydrogel, fragmentation was observed with a giant cell reaction. Capsule thickness increased, mainly with hydrogel.


CONCLUSIONS
Fragmentation affected segmental or circumferential hydrogel explants. As in silicone explants, the capsule surface was normal when the hydrogel surface was respected. The fragmentation mechanism remains unclear.
D'Hermies
F
F
Department of Ophthalmology, Hôtel-Dieu, Paris, France.
Korobelnik
J F
JF
Meyer
A
A
Chauvaud
D
D
Pouliquen
Y
Y
Renard
G
G
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000473:pathology; D006101:Granuloma, Giant Cell / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011817:Rabbits; D012590:Sclera / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D012591:Scleral Buckling; D015422:Scleral Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D012826:Silicone Elastomers / Q000009:adverse effects*
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D020100:Hydrogels; D012826:Silicone Elastomers