Prediction of graft fate from cytopathology of recipient button

We wished to know whether the fate of human corneal grafts could be predicted from the cytological study of recipient's corneal buttons removed at operation. We counted the number of different inflammatory cells in 168 full-thickness corneal buttons, and related the findings to the operative results retrospectively. If inflammatory cells, particularly polymorphonuclear cells are present in significant numbers in the corneal button the chance of a successful graft is reduced by about 20 per cent (P less than 0.05).