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Limbal-conjunctival autograft healing process-early postoperative OCT angiography study
Yariv Keshet1, Asaf Polat2, Orly Gal-Or2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva. Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. Yarivkeshet@gmail.com.
Eye (London, England)
|November 2, 2021
Summary
Early revascularization of limbal-conjunctival autografts (LCA) after pterygium surgery was observed using OCTA. Graft healing begins within 3-7 days, originating from episcleral vessels, highlighting the importance of careful surgical technique.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Pterygium removal often involves limbal-conjunctival autograft (LCA) transplantation.
- Understanding the early healing process of LCA is crucial for successful outcomes.
- Anterior segment optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) offers high-resolution imaging of ocular tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the normal healing process of limbal-conjunctival autografts (LCA) post-pterygium removal.
- To assess early graft revascularization using anterior segment OCTA.
- To investigate the relationship between graft thickness and revascularization.
Main Methods:
- Prospective case series of seven patients undergoing pterygium removal with LCA.
- Anterior segment OCTA and colour photography were used pre-operatively and on postoperative days (POD) 1, 3, 7, and 30.
- Quantitative and qualitative analysis of graft revascularization patterns and graft thickness.
Main Results:
- Grafts showed minimal to no flow signal on POD 1.
- Revascularization began by POD 3-7, with non-organized vessels originating from episcleral vessels.
- Significant graft edema was noted in the first week, resolving by POD 30.
- Near-complete graft revascularization was observed by POD 30.
Conclusions:
- Anterior segment OCTA is effective for monitoring early LCA healing.
- Graft revascularization commences within 3-7 days post-surgery.
- Careful surgical handling of the scleral surface is recommended to promote optimal graft healing.
