Penetrating keratoplasty with donor and recipient corneas of the same diameter

A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the effect of penetrating keratoplasty (PK) with donor and recipient corneas of equal diameter on astigmatism, corneal curvature, and spherical equivalent.

A total of 89 eyes of 86 consecutive patients who underwent PK with donor and recipient corneas of equal diameter were studied. The surgical techniques were performed using the Hanna suction punch block (endothelial cut) with the trephine system, and a single running 16-bite 10-0 nylon suture. Sixteen eyes underwent a triple procedure (PK, extracapsular cataract extraction, and intraocular lens [IOL] insertion) and 14 eyes underwent PK with sulcus fixation of a posterior chamber IOL. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 30 months (mean +/- SD 17.5 +/- 4.7). The sutures were removed at approximately 12 months postoperatively.

The postoperative astigmatism ranged from 0.4 to 10.8 D (mean +/- SD 4.5 +/- 2.8), as evaluated by a computer-assisted videokeratograph topography unit. Twenty-seven eyes (30.3%) achieved a refractive error (spherical equivalent) within +/- 1.5 D of emmetropia. The mean postoperative refractive error (spherical equivalent) was -0.1 +/- 3.5 D (range -6.75 to + 7.25). No wound dehiscences or glaucoma was noted during the follow-up.

The Hanna suction system creates a sharp, deep, and perpendicular cut on both button cornea and host cornea, making it possible to use donor and recipient corneas of the same diameter in PK with good clinical and refractive results, particularly for myopic (keratoconus) patients.