title: Long-term results of penetrating keratoplasty using a single or double running suture technique.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Corneal astigmatism changes after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) with single running suture (SRS) or double running suture (DRS) were evaluated in this prospective randomized study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-eight consecutive eyes underwent PK: 35 received a SRS and 33 an anti-torque DRS using the same Hanna Suction System. All sutures were removed between 12 and 20 months after surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Within the first month after PK, a statistically significant difference was noted, with a lower mean value of astigmatism for the DRS group. The final mean postoperative videokeratographic astigmatism was 3.51+/-1.93 and 3.42+/-1.94 in the SRS and DRS group respectively (36 months' follow-up).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the final astigmatism was about the same in the two suture groups, the DRS seems to lead to faster restoration of visual function due to early stability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of L'Aquila, Italy. lspadea@cc.univaq.it
authors.forename: Leopoldo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Spadea
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cifariello
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bianco
authors.forename: Emilio
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Balestrazzi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D019781:Corneal Topography; D006801:Humans; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity