DSAEK: practical approach to choose the microkeratome head on the basis of donor cornea pachymetry.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to supply data on the relationship between Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) graft thickness and its effects on visual acuity (VA), pace of visual recovery, endothelial cell densities (ECDs), and surgical complications. We additionally provide an approach for choosing the microkeratome blade thickness when multiple patients are scheduled for DSAEK.


METHODS
This is a retrospective analysis of all DSAEK procedures performed at our institute from January 2011 to December 2012. The VA was assessed at all postop visits. The ECD was assessed at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. An algorithm based on donor cornea pachymetry was used to assist in the choice of a microkeratome blade either 350 or 400 μm thick. Two groups were created on the basis of the microkeratome blade chosen. Outcomes were given per treatment group.


RESULTS
One hundred two consecutive DSAEK procedures were performed; 60 grafts were prepared with the 350-μm blade and 39 with the 400-μm blade. Baseline characteristics did not differ materially. Grafts dissected using the 350-μm knife were significantly thicker than the grafts dissected with the 400-μm blade, with values of 257 ± 47 μm and 222 ± 33 μm, respectively (P = 0.01). The pace of visual recovery, VA at maximum follow-up, and ECD did not differ significantly between groups. Surgical complications were evenly distributed over both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
This study indicates that using neither the 350-μm nor 400-μm microkeratome blade for the DSAEK altered the outcomes in terms of VA, ECD, and surgical complications. The algorithm presented in this study is helpful in equally distributing benefits from thinner grafting for all DSAEK-operated patients.
Utrecht Cornea Research Group (UCRG), Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Robert P L
RP
Wisse
Jens A
JA
Achterberg
Allegonda
A
Van der Lelij
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D002452:Cell Count; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology*; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D055954:Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss / Q000175:diagnosis; D063171:Corneal Pachymetry; D057111:Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009929:Organ Size; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014019:Tissue Donors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology