Abstract
Purpose: :
We investigated the usefulness of conjunctival expansion by silicone sponge implantation.
Methods: :
In this study, nine rabbits were included. Silicone sponge, size of 5.0x15.0x3.0 mm, was inserted into the superotemporal subtenon space in one eye of each 8 rabbits. One rabbit was chosen as a control, and it did not undergo the surgery. A pair of rabbits was chosen from 8 rabbits that received the surgery to be sacrificed at every third date starting from postoperative day 3 to day 12. Each time specimens were taken from the section of expanded conjunctivas. The sizes of each specimen were measured and they were observed under light microscope for histology.
Results: :
The mean area of all the expanded conjunctival tissues was 194.4 mm2. From the samples taken on the third day, we were able to take the mean area of 223.56 mm2 section of conjunctival tissues, which were the most expanded samples of the tissues. On the 12th day, we obtained the mean area of 160.38 mm2 section of conjunctival tissues, which were the least expanded samples of the tissues. However, there were no significant differences in the mean area of the expanded conjunctival tissues for each time period statistically. Microscopic examinations showed no histological differences between the expanded conjunctival tissues and the normal conjunctival tissue.
Conclusions: :
The results revealed that this procedure is a useful method to expand the conjunctiva for grafting and transplantation.