Evaluation of techniques of single continuous suturing in penetrating keratoplasty.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the three techniques of single continuous suturing-namely, torque, antitorque, and no torque in penetrating keratoplasty.


METHODS
53 eyes of 53 patients underwent penetrating keratoplasty using torque (17 patients), antitorque (18 patients), and no torque (18 patients) suturing techniques in this prospective study. Patients were followed up at 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Keratometric, videokeratographic, refractive astigmatism, and best corrected visual acuity were determined in all the three groups at each follow up visit. Post-keratoplasty suture adjustment was done at 4 weeks, if the astigmatism was >3 dioptres.


RESULTS
The initial astigmatism in the torque group was higher than in the other two groups, although it was not statistically significant. Following suture adjustment, there was a significant decrease in astigmatism in all the three groups (p<0.0001). However, no significant difference in the postoperative astigmatism at 3 months and at 6 months was seen among the three groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The three techniques of single continuous suturing-that is, torque, antitorque, and no torque produce a similar final astigmatic results. Suture adjustment is an effective method of reducing post-penetrating keratoplasty astigmatism.
Vajpayee
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RB
Dr Rajendra Prasad Centre For Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. rbvajpay@hotmail.com
Sharma
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V
Sharma
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Panda
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A
Taylor
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HR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014792:Visual Acuity