[Limbal autograft transplantation, eight consecutive cases].
BACKGROUND
Limbal autograft transplantation is the procedure of choice in the management of ocular surface disorders secondary to stem cells deficiency. The aim of our study was to investigate the indications, results and limits of this infrequent surgery.


METHODS
Limbal autograft transplantation was performed in 8 patients and the mean follow-up period was 11 months. Limbal stem cell deficiency was due to chemical burns in 4 patients, history of prior surgery extending to the limbus in 2 patients, chronic limbitis with dystichiasis in one patient and persistent corneal epithelial defect after keratoplasty in one case.


RESULTS
In 6 out of 8 cases, the stability of the ocular surface normalized and comfort significantly improved. Four of these patients had increased visual acuity after surgery. Two patients who presented with severe alkali burn did not respond well to limbal autotransplantation.


CONCLUSIONS
Limbal autograft transplantation is a reliable and effective procedure in limbal stem cells deficiencies. New associate procedures such as amniotic membrane transplantation will however be necessary to improve the prognosis of very severe corneal surface disorders.
Muraine
M
M
Service d'Ophtalmologie, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Boulevard Gambetta, 76031 Rouen Cedex.
Salessy
P
P
Watt
L
L
Retout
A
A
Brasseur
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016850:Limbus Corneae / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous