[Reconstructive lacrimal gland with free submandibular gland transfer for management of xerophthalmia].
OBJECTIVE
In order to seek more efficient surgical method to treat total xerophthalmia.


METHODS
Microvascular submandibular gland transfer was used to reconstruct lacrimal gland for management of the dry eye. 5 cases (6 eyes) with total xerophthalmia were operated with this method.


RESULTS
All the patients were followed up for 1 - 30 months. The results were satisfactory, the submandibular salivary gland relieved the dryness and improved visual acuities with negligible side effect.


CONCLUSIONS
Microvascular submandibular gland transfer is potentially the best surgical solution to total xerophthalmia.
Jia
G
G
Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001.
Wang
Y
Y
Lu
L
L
Wang
X
X
Li
Z
Z
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013363:Submandibular Gland / Q000637:transplantation*; D014985:Xerophthalmia / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*