Outcome of Sclerokeratoplasty in Devastating Sclerocorneal Infections

To assess the achievement of anatomical integrity after primary tectonic sclerokeratoplasty procedure and outcome after subsequent secondary procedures to manage devastating corneoscleral infection threatening the structural integrity of the eyeball.

This prospective interventional study comprised 60 patients with severe devastating corneoscleral pathology of infective origin with varying degrees of scleral involvement who underwent tectonic sclerokeratoplasty. They were grouped into three groups according to the involvement of scleral quadrants, i.e., Group A with only one quadrant, Group B with two quadrants, and Group C with more than two quadrants. The demographics, clinical features, microbiological status, postoperative complications, need for secondary procedures, and tectonic outcome in terms of anatomical success were analyzed in all three groups during follow-up between 2 and 5 years.

The donor graft size in Groups A, B, and C was 9.5-10.5, 11-12, and 12.5-14 mm, respectively. Globe integrity after primary procedure was noted in all patients of Group A, 76% of Group B, and 38% of Group C. Reinfection was observed in 19 cases of Groups B and C, from which 5 Group C patients were eviscerated and 14 underwent regrafting. Postoperative complications (suture related, rejection, graft failure, and secondary glaucoma) were encountered more frequently in Group C patients. Secondary procedures (cataract/posterior segment surgery, secondary intraocular lens, and trabeculectomy) were required more in Groups B and C. After regrafting, 7 eyes were salvaged and 7 (3 in Group B and 4 in Group C) resulted in phthisis bulbi. Thus, tectonic outcome was achieved in 80% of cases.

Sclerokeratoplasty is an effective tectonic treatment for restoring the globe anatomy in severe corneoscleral infection. Outcome depends on involvement of scleral quadrants, graft size, and severity of disease. Subsequent regrafting procedures are required to overcome reinfection of the primary graft.