Suture-related complications following keratoplasty: a 5-year retrospective study

C G Christo, J van Rooij, A J Geerards, L Remeijer, W H Beekhuis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

PURPOSE: To study the incidence of suture-related complications following penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and their effect on the success of corneal grafting.

METHODS: The records of 332 patients receiving 361 grafts in 1993 and 1994 were reviewed, and suture-related complications were recorded. These complications were divided into five groups: suture erosions, infiltrates at the suture sites, infectious keratitis, loose sutures with imminent wound dehiscence, and wound dehiscence after suture removal.

RESULTS: Occurrence rates were suture erosions, 10.8%; infiltrates, 9.4%; infectious keratitis related to sutures, 3.3%; loose sutures with imminent wound separation in need of surgical repair, 8.3%; and wound dehiscence following suture removal, 2.4%.

CONCLUSIONS: Suture-related complications frequently occur after PK. Infectious keratitis and wound separations needing surgical repair may lead to loss of best-corrected visual acuity due to scarring, induced allograft reactions, and/or increased astigmatism. Recommendations for post-PK suture management are proposed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)816-9
Number of pages4
JournalCornea
Volume20
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2001

Keywords

  • Cataract Extraction
  • Corneal Diseases/surgery
  • Eye Infections, Bacterial/etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Keratitis/microbiology
  • Keratoplasty, Penetrating
  • Lens Implantation, Intraocular
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Reoperation
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surgical Wound Dehiscence/etiology
  • Suture Techniques/adverse effects
  • Time Factors
  • Visual Acuity

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Suture-related complications following keratoplasty: a 5-year retrospective study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this