[Gore-tex(r) patch in immunologically conditioned corneal ulcer].
BACKGROUND
The treatment of immunological corneal disease and melting is still a challenge for any ophthalmologist. Adequate systemic treatment as well as the surgical intervention with an allogeneic corneal graft needs time. In case of emergency a gore-tex(R) patch is an alternative option.


METHODS
We report on the pre- and postoperative courses of six eyes suffering from rheumatic corneal ulcer resp. immune mediated descemetocele treated by a gore-tex(R) patch. Follow-up ranged between 6 to 30 months.


RESULTS
In all cases corneal perforation could be prevented, the artificial graft kept the anterior chamber tight. No infection or graft extrusion developed.


CONCLUSIONS
Different surgical methods are optional in the treatment of rheumatic and immunologic corneal diseases (lamellar or penetrating keratoplasty à chaud, conjunctival flap, amniotic membrane transplantation, contact lenses with adhesive). Another possibility, the gore-tex(R) patch, is an easily available and easy-to-handle tissue, which allows stabilisation of the situation and saves time.
Amm
Marita
M
Klinik für Ophthalmologie der Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel, Germany. mamm@ophthalmol.uni-kiel.de
Nölle
Bernhard
B
D000368:Aged; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000601:surgery*; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000276:immunology / Q000601:surgery*; D003886:Descemet Membrane / Q000276:immunology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013536:Suture Techniques
D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene