[Surgical removal of Salzmann's nodules using intraoperative mitomycin C]

Salzmann's nodules comprise a heterogeneous group of greyish superficial corneal opacities. A substantial percentage is most likely caused by dystrophies. This could explain the recurrences after surgical removal. The Eye Center of the University Hospital Freiburg has been using mitomycin C intraoperatively during surgical removal of Salzmann's nodules since 2007 to prevent recurrences. We recently performed an uncontrolled prospective trial to evaluate this approach and also reviewed the literature. Worldwide, a total of 38 eyes have been treated with mitomycin C during surgery for Salzmann's nodules. No recurrences have been reported so far with follow-up exceeding at least 2 years in almost all eyes. No severe side effects have been observed to date. We therefore think that mitomycin C during surgery for Salzmann's nodules is advisable despite the lack of evidence from a randomized clinical trial. However, all patients must consent to the off label use of mitomycin C.