title: [Results of tectonic epikeratoplasty in the management of corneal perforations].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present therapeutic application of tectonic epikeratoplasty as logical patch in severe ocular surface disorders.
  
  
  METHODS
  Full thickness corneo-scleral transplants, 14 mm in diameter were used in 67 operations of 41 patients with corneal perforation or descemetocele. (14 women and 27 men), in the period 1998-2008. The mean age of patients was 55.2 +/- 17.7 years (range 15-82). The transplants were sutured over the limbus or the scleral rim and was implanted under the conjunctiva after 360 degrees peritomy. Donor tissue unsuitable for penetrating keratoplasty because of poor endothelium or corneal scarring, was obtained from Lublin Eye Bank.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We observed closing of the perforation in all cases. Healing of the ulceration with scar formation and new vessels ingrowth was noted. In some eyes repeated epikeratoplasties were performed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tectonic epikeratoplasty is a safe and simple method of treatment of corneal perforations. It provides a biological patch stimulating the healing of corneal defects. It gives time for systemic treatment before further ocular surface reconstructive procedures can be performed.
authors.affiliation: Z Kliniki Okulistyki Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Lublinie. eulalia.machowicz@poczta.am.lublin.pl
authors.forename: Eulalia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Machowicz-Matejko
authors.forename: Ewa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rakowska
authors.forename: Zbigniew
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zagórski
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D057112:Corneal Perforation / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D016039:Corneal Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D017391:Epikeratophakia / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005125:Eye Banks; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011044:Poland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity; D055815:Young Adult