[Traumatic wound dehiscence after keratoplasty]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Transplantation Medicine

Context:

• Penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) is a common corneal transplant procedure.
• Wound dehiscence, a separation of the surgical incision, is a potential complication.
• Understanding risk factors and outcomes is crucial for patient management.

Purpose:

• To evaluate patient characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes associated with penetrating keratoplasty wound dehiscence.
• To identify common causes and demographic factors in PKP wound dehiscence.
• To analyze visual outcomes following repair of PKP wound dehiscence.

Summary:

• A retrospective review of 11 patients undergoing repair for PKP wound dehiscence was conducted.
• Dehiscence occurred at the graft-host junction a mean of 3.3 years post-PKP, with falls being a common cause, particularly in older individuals.
• Visual outcomes varied, with six patients achieving best corrected visual acuity below 1/20; no endophthalmitis was reported.

Impact:

• Corneal transplant recipients are at lifelong risk for traumatic wound dehiscence.
• The findings underscore the importance of protective eyewear for patients with corneal grafts.
• This research informs clinical practice regarding the long-term care and risk mitigation for corneal transplant patients.