Multilayer Amniotic Membrane Transplantation for Corneal Ulcer Perforation.

Ahn, Yong Suk; Cho, Moon Sik; Lee, Jae Ho

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society 2003;44(6):1290-1296.
Published online June 1, 2003.

Multilayer Amniotic Membrane Transplantation for Corneal Ulcer Perforation.

¹Department of Ophthalmology, Chunan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University Medical College, Korea. cja3445@netsgo.com
²Woori Eye Clinic, Korea.

각막궤양천공에서의 다층양막이식술

안용석 ( Yong Suk Ahn ) , 조문식 ( Moon Sik Cho ) , 이재호 ( Jae Ho Lee )

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the clinical outcome of multilayer amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) in the cornea which was perforated or had impending perforation due to corneal ulcer. METHODS: Human multilayer amniotic membrane transplantation were performed in patients with perforation or impending perforation of cornea due to herpetic keratopathy (2 eyes of 2 patients) and fungal ulcer (1 eye). The surgical procedure consists of the following steps: First, all cellular debris was carefully removed from the base and the walls of the ulcer and loosened epithelium. In addition 1 to 2 mm zone is created around the ulcer by removal of healthy, adherent epithelium overlaying the normal Bowman membrane. Depending on the depth and the configuration of the ulcer, three or more of small pieces of human amniotic membranes are stacked one above the others to fill the cavity of the ulcer. Finally, a larger piece of membrane is trimmed to cover the ulcer and then secured with interrupted 10-0 nylon suture. RESULTS: The corneal perforations were prevented and the stable ocular surface were achieved in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Human multilayer amniotic membrane transplantation is a useful treatment prior to corneal transplantation and considered as an alternative treatment to keratoplasty for perforation or impending perforation of corneal ulcer.

Key Words: Corneal perforation;Multilayer amniotic membrane transplantation