[Conjunctival grafting. Experiences with lyophylized donor-tissue (author's transl)]

Firstly the different methods of surgical replacement of the conjunctiva are discussed. Despite certain disadvantages buccal mucosa is often transplanted. More useful and easier is the use of lyophilized human donor conjunctiva. In 10 years we have operated on 110 eyes in 76 patients according to this method. In some eyes conjunctiva of different donors was used, often the whole conjunctival sack had to be reestablished. A brief description is given of winning the donor material, or surgical grafting technique and results, and one of the case histories of the patients is given. No transplant rejection occured, probably because there are no specific proteins or enzyme activities in the lyophilized tissue. Sometimes in pemphigus and similar diseases the tissue will again be included into areas of contracture. After chemical injuries and burns the end of inflammatory signs should be awaited before grafting.