[Nonspecific inflammatory reaction after implantation of palpebral implants]

To identify the possible cause of an inflammatory reaction to a Russian-manufactured palpebral implant made of gold in the long term after surgery, and to determine the clinical and morphological changes in the tissues of the upper eyelid when the presence of the implant caused the inflammatory reaction.

The results of 150 operations with placement of a palpebral implant were analyzed. In 12 cases, a nonspecific inflammatory reaction was revealed within 2 to 4 weeks after the operation, in 7 cases it necessitated explantation, in 5 cases the local long-term use of an ointment with a corticosteroid made it possible to avoid extrusion and explantation. Chemical microanalysis of the palpebral implant and fragments of the removed capsule was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as immunohistochemical (IHC), macro- and microscopic examination of the fragments of connective tissue capsule was carried out after removal of the palpebral implant.

The obtained data confirm the chemical purity of the implant, the absence of abnormal accumulation of metals in the tissues of the eyelid. IHC, macro- and microscopic examination of the presented fragments of the connective tissue capsule revealed signs characteristic of an inflammatory reaction to a foreign body.

Further research is needed to establish the factors and predictors for the development of inflammatory reactions to a foreign body and, in particular, to gold.