Penetrating keratoplasty in eyes treated with conjunctival flaps.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the results of corneal transplants in severely inflamed eyes previously treated with conjunctival flaps.


METHODS
In the period 1984-1996, seven homoplastic penetrating keratoplasties (PKs) and one rotating autokeratoplasty were performed on a series of 47 eyes of 46 patients treated with partial or total conjunctival flaps. Two of these PKs were combined with an extracapsular cataract extraction, and the rotating autograft was combined with an extracapsular cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation. Patient ages ranged between 25 and 52 years (three men and five women), and the follow-up period was 3 to 15 years. The recipient corneal buttons were studied histopathologically.


RESULTS
The eight graftings remained transparent; two cases developed glaucoma that was controlled with medication, and one had a rejection episode, which disappeared with medical treatment. All patients reached a postoperative vision between 20/70 and 20/30.


CONCLUSIONS
Therapeutic conjunctival flaps improve the conditions of the recipient bed for transplant in severely inflamed eyes.
Geria
R C
RC
Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Frances de Buenos Aires Institution Adherent to Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Zarate
J
J
Geria
M A
MA
D000328:Adult; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000601:surgery*; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity