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

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.