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Graft edema after suture removal.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|August 1, 1979
Summary
Late graft edema can occur after penetrating keratoplasty suture removal. Corticosteroid treatment, topical or systemic, often resolves this complication, highlighting a previously underemphasized issue in corneal transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Transplantation
- Postoperative Complications
Background:
- Penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) is a common corneal transplantation procedure.
- Sutures are typically used to close the corneal wound after PKP.
- Late complications after PKP, while infrequent, require careful monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a series of cases of graft edema developing after suture removal in PKP patients.
- To investigate the potential causes and effective treatments for this specific complication.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of six patients who developed graft edema post-suture removal.
- Evaluation of treatment strategies, including topical, systemic, and subtenon corticosteroids.
- Clinical observation of graft edema resolution following corticosteroid therapy.
Main Results:
- Graft edema was observed in six eyes one day after suture removal, with no wound dehiscence.
- All cases showed partial or total resolution of edema with corticosteroid treatment.
- Four grafts required additional systemic or subtenon corticosteroids for complete resolution.
Conclusions:
- Suture removal following penetrating keratoplasty can precipitate late graft edema.
- Trauma from suture removal may lead to endothelial decompensation or secondary iritis.
- Corticosteroids are effective in managing this previously underemphasized complication.