Clinical Science

Conjunctival Limbal Autograft and Allograft Transplantation Using Fibrin Glue

Jeffrey D. Welder, MD; Hemang K. Pandya, MD; Nariman Nassiri, MD; Ali R. Djalilian, MD

  • Ophthalmic Surgery, Lasers and Imaging
  • July/August 2012 - Volume 43 · Issue 4: 323-327
  • DOI: 10.3928/15428877-20120618-04
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Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Conjunctival limbal autograft is the surgical treatment of choice for visually significant unilateral limbal stem cell deficiency. The use of fibrin glue, which has been reported extensively in pterygium and other conjunctival surgeries, has not been fully described in limbal stem cell transplantation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

The authors reviewed 3 cases of conjunctival limbal autograft and 1 of living related conjunctival limbal allograft using only fibrin glue to secure the graft. Main outcome measures included ocular surface stability, visual acuity, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS:

At most recent follow-up, all 4 patients (100%) maintained a stable ocular surface. Mean epithelial healing time was 10 days. Mean visual acuity improved from 20/400 to 20/53. All grafts were successful with no postoperative dislocations or displacements.

CONCLUSION:

The findings demonstrate that fibrin glue can be used safely and effectively to secure conjunctival limbal grafts in limbal stem cell deficiency. This novel approach has the potential to decrease operative time, increase ease of technique, and improve patient comfort postoperatively.

AUTHORS

From the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.

The authors have no financial or proprietary interest in the materials presented herein.

Address correspondence to Ali R. Djalilian, MD, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1855 W. Taylor Street M/C 648, Chicago, IL 60612. E-mail: adjalili@uic.edu

Received: March 07, 2012
Accepted: April 02, 2012

doi: 10.3928/15428877-20120618-04

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