A novel approach to processing descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty specimens for histopathologic analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a new technique for handling Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) specimens intraoperatively and during processing.


METHODS
The processing method begins by adding a drop of eosin to the specimen intraoperatively, followed by submersion in 10% formalin solution. The specimen appears reddish, allowing for easy identification and is floated onto an immersed slide to maintain an unfolded flattened specimen. After bisection, one half is stained with hematoxylin and eosin and covered with a cover slip, whereas the other half is transferred to filter paper and a cassette and is submitted for paraffin embedding on the cut edge.


RESULTS
The technique reduces the chances of a specimen not surviving processing. The new method also allows for 2 views of DSAEK specimens, both topographical and cross-sectional, thus permitting analysis of endothelial cell density, spatial distribution of cells and guttae, endothelial cell count, and thickness measurements.


CONCLUSIONS
A novel technique for handling DSAEK specimens to prevent loss and folding, while also allowing for cross-sectional and topographical viewing is reported.
Steven Houston
Samuel K
SK
University of Virginia, School of Medicine, USA.
Morgan
Olga
O
Olsakovsky
Leslie A
LA
Phillips
Paul M
PM
Ghazi
Nicola G
NG
D002452:Cell Count; D003886:Descemet Membrane / Q000473:pathology*; D057111:Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology*; D016591:Histocytological Preparation Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*