Loosening of single versus double running sutures in penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus.
OBJECTIVE
Purpose of the study was to evaluate single versus double running sutures in penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus with respect to suture loosening.


METHODS
Eighty-eight patients were consecutively operated for keratoconus by the same surgeon with the same surgical technique. For the first 45 patients, a single running 10-0 nylon suture was used. For the remaining 43 patients, double running 10-0 nylon sutures were taken.


RESULTS
Suture loosening was observed significantly (P<0.001; Chi-Square test) more often in the patients with a single running suture (12/45=27%) than in the patients with double running sutures (0/43=0%).


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that double running sutures in comparison to a single running suture may be helpful in preventing suture loosening in penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus.
Jonas
J B
JB
Universitäts-Augenklinik, Erlangen, Germany. Jost.Jonas@augen.med.uni-erlangen.de
Budde
W M
WM
D016039:Corneal Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007640:Keratoconus / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D013536:Suture Techniques