[Treatment of xerophthalmia by transplantation of autologous vascularized submandibular gland].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the feasibility of treatment of xerophthalmia by transplantation of autologous vascularized submandibular gland (SMG).

METHODS:

The SMGs of 19 patients with severe keratoconjunctivitis were transferred to their temporal region by microsurgery. The arteries and veins of the SMGs were anastomosed to the super-temporal arteries and veins, the SMG ducts were implanted into the conjunctival fornix of the eye. The saliva secreted by the SMG was used as the substitute of tear.

RESULTS:

The transplantation succeeded in 14 patients and failed in 4. Follow up lastred for 3 months to 2 years. The symptom of corneal xerosis disappeared, the symptoms of photophobia and anemophobia were alleviated, and artificial tear substitutes were not used any more. Epiphora appeared in 4 cases and disappeared after partial resection of the transplanted gland. Atresia of orifice occurred in one case and was cured by reconstruction of the duct.

CONCLUSION:

Transplantation of autologous vascularized SMG is effective in treating severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

• Authors: Zhenghong Zhu, Guangyan Yu, Chi Mao, Zhigang Cai, Liuhe Zou, Lan Lu, Xin Peng, Lei Zhang, Na Li
• Journal: Zhonghua yi xue za zhi (Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi) Vol. 82 Issue 4 Pg. 244-6 (Feb 25 2002) ISSN: 0376-2491 [Print] China
• PMID: 11953171 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Submandibular Gland (blood supply, transplantation)
• Transplantation, Autologous
• Xerophthalmia (surgery)