[Amniotic membrane transplantation for oculopalpebral and reconstructive surgery].

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Context:

• Amniotic membrane is a biological material with regenerative properties, utilized for ocular surface reconstruction.
• Traditional methods like oral mucous grafts have limitations in oculopalpebral and reconstructive surgery.
• The study evaluates amniotic membrane transplantation as an alternative for various reconstructive procedures.

Purpose:

• To assess the efficacy and outcomes of amniotic membrane transplantation in oculopalpebral and reconstructive surgery.
• To compare amniotic membrane transplantation with oral mucous grafts in specific surgical scenarios.
• To identify potential complications and limitations associated with amniotic membrane use.

Summary:

• Forty-eight amniotic membrane transplantations were performed on 44 patients for diverse oculopalpebral reconstructions, including fornix reconstruction and palpebral repairs.
• The study reported good functional and cosmetic results in 39 cases, enabling ocular prosthetic use where needed.
• Poor outcomes occurred in eight cases, primarily related to fornix retraction or partial palpebral reconstruction failure, with some requiring revision surgery.

Impact:

• Amniotic membrane transplantation offers a promising alternative to oral mucous grafts, improving functional and cosmetic results in oculopalpebral reconstruction.
• The findings support the use of amniotic membrane in cases requiring conjunctival fornix reconstruction and palpebral defect repair.
• Limitations include challenges in chemical burn cases and post-orbital irradiation, and when graft rigidity is essential.