Mucous membrane graft versus Gunderson conjunctival flap for fitting a scleral shell over a sensitive cornea.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of full-thickness mucous membrane grafts in forming a total and permanent corneal cover.


METHODS
The records of all patients with a phthisical globe or microphthalmos who underwent a corneal covering procedure to allow comfortable wearing of a cosmetic scleral shell between March 1999 and July 2004 were reviewed.


RESULTS
Ten eyes underwent a Gunderson conjunctival flap (group A), and 9 eyes underwent a full-thickness mucous membrane graft (group B). In group A, 3 eyes had total flap retraction and one eye had partial flap retraction. In group B, only one eye had partial graft retraction. The flap retraction in group A occurred in those eyes with a corneal diameter of 9 mm or more.


CONCLUSIONS
The results from this small series of patients indicate that a full-thickness mucous membrane graft might be a better alternative for corneal coverage than a Gunderson conjunctival flap, especially in eyes with conjunctival scarring or relatively large corneal diameter.
Ma'luf
Riad N
RN
Department of Ophthalmology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. rmaluf@cyberia.net.lb
Awwad
Shady T
ST
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000601:surgery*; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D005137:Eye, Artificial; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000637:transplantation*; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting; D012590:Sclera; D013524:Surgical Flaps