Mucous membrane graft versus Gunderson conjunctival flap for fitting a scleral shell over a sensitive cornea.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To assess the efficacy of full-thickness mucous membrane grafts in forming a total and permanent corneal cover.

METHODS:

The records of all patients with a phthisical globe or microphthalmos who underwent a corneal covering procedure to allow comfortable wearing of a cosmetic scleral shell between March 1999 and July 2004 were reviewed.

RESULTS:

Ten eyes underwent a Gunderson conjunctival flap (group A), and 9 eyes underwent a full-thickness mucous membrane graft (group B). In group A, 3 eyes had total flap retraction and one eye had partial flap retraction. In group B, only one eye had partial graft retraction. The flap retraction in group A occurred in those eyes with a corneal diameter of 9 mm or more.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results from this small series of patients indicate that a full-thickness mucous membrane graft might be a better alternative for corneal coverage than a Gunderson conjunctival flap, especially in eyes with conjunctival scarring or relatively large corneal diameter.

• Authors: Riad N Ma'luf, Shady T Awwad
• Journal: Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery (Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg) Vol. 21 Issue 5 Pg. 356-8 (Sep 2005) ISSN: 0740-9303 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16234698 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Conjunctiva (surgery)
• Cornea (surgery)
• Eye, Artificial
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Mouth Mucosa (transplantation)
• Prosthesis Fitting
• Sclera
• Surgical Flaps