Corneal Perforation Repair Using a Novel Lyophilized Amniotic Membrane Graft Technique: Plug and Patch

BACKGROUND The use of amniotic membranes for corneal perforations using different surgical techniques has been widely described in the literature. This case report is a novel variation in the technique that can be useful for incorporating in clinical practice when the need arises. CASE REPORT A 36-year-old male patient presented to our clinic with a corneal ulcer in his left eye caused by herpetic keratitis, treated with a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (indomethacin 0.1% solution). Examination revealed a paracentral 2-mm wide corneal perforation on the site of the corneal ulcer. The patient was admitted to the hospital. He was treated with intravenous piperacillin-ofloxacine, and an emergency surgical intervention using a lyophilized amniotic membrane was performed using a "plug and patch" technique. Postoperatively, the patient received 48 h of intravenous antibiotics and was discharged on topical antibiotic/corticosteroid eyedrops along with a 10-day course of oral antibiotics (ofloxacin) and antiviral therapy (valaciclovir). Three months after surgery, the anterior chamber was formed, the corneal defect was closed, and visual acuity improved. One year after initial presentation, anterior segment optical coherence tomography showed a large scarred but healed cornea. CONCLUSIONS We report the successful use of combination of a single round-shaped rolled amniotic membrane with a multilayered amniotic membrane transplantation for the treatment of a 2-mm-wide perforated corneal ulcer. This technique allowed for preservation of the globe integrity without the need for a keratoplasty, stopped further tissue loss, and was associated with a rapid visual recovery.