Abstract ID: 26-225
World’s first results of palatal connective tissue transplantation for reconstruction of the anterior segment
Author: David Muallah Base Hospital / Institution: Augenklinik, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
Presentation Type: ePoster Presentation
Purpose
We hereby describe a novel surgical technique using palatal connective tissue for reconstructing scleral defects (e.g. scleromalacia) and to cover exposed trans- or episcleral implants with the risk of endophthalmitis. We evaluate its safety and short‑ to mid‑term outcomes.
Methods
Three cases with scleromalacia and eight cases with exposed episcleral implants underwent coverage of the surface defect using a palatal connective tissue graft instead of conventional materials such as Tutopatch®. All surgeries were performed in general anesthesia. Outcome measures included intraoperative and postoperative complications, graft stability, scleral and oral wound healing.
Results
All patients tolerated the procedure well without intraoperative complications. Early postoperative complications included wound pain in the eye or palate, which could be managed by temporary NSAID intake. No postoperative bleeding or inflammation of the palatal wound or the eye were observed. Both ocular and oral donor sites demonstrated satisfactory wound healing. No intraoperative complications occurred while the only postoperative complication 1 week after surgery was pain in 2/11 cases in the eye and 1/11 cases in the mouth. The follow-up period was 0.1 to 11.5 months (average 4.1 ± 4 months) with a graft survival rate of 100%.
Conclusion
Palatal connective tissue grafts represent a promising alternative to common materials such as Tutopatch® for the reconstruction of complex scleral and conjunctival defects caused by glaucoma drainage devices, intraocular lens components or scleromalacia. This technique provided stable short- and mid‑term coverage, good tissue integration, and may offer a durable option for challenging anterior segment reconstructions.
Additional Authors
| First name | Last name | Base Hospital / Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Eckart | Bertelmann | Augenklinik, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany |
| Sibylle | Winterhalter | Augenklinik, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany |
| Reem | Alshammari | Augenklinik, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany |
| Joris | De Keersmaecker | Augenklinik, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany |