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Updated: Nov 29, 2025
Corneal Donor Tissue Preparation for Endothelial Keratoplasty
Published on: June 12, 2012
Suturing large therapeutic corneal grafts based on donor size: A simplified technique for the novice corneal surgeon
Rahul Kumar Bafna1, Nidhi Kalra1, Mohamed Ibrahime Asif1
1Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Purpose:
We describe a simple technique for achieving radial and equally spaced sutures by novice corneal surgeon in cases of large penetrating keratoplasties.
Method:
A simple mathematical equation was derived for precise calculation of spacing between interrupted sutures in large grafts (n = 50). The ubiquitous and easily available Castroviejo calipers were used to mark the donor cornea according to the derived formula. Interrupted sutures were passed over the pre-marked points and tied. Radiality was assessed in the post-operative period.
Results:
A total of 50 eyes undergoing therapeutic keratoplasty with graft size between 9 and 12 mm were enrolled. Equally spaced and radially aligned sutures were achieved in all cases postoperatively with watertight apposition of the graft host junction using our simple technique.
Conclusion:
The Castroviejo caliper can be effectively used for equidistant spacing of interrupted sutures in large therapeutic grafts by a novice surgeon thereby simplifying the procedure and reducing the surgical time.
