Abstract
Purpose::
To compare the incidence of neovascularization between interrupted sutures (IRS) and continuous sutures (CTS) after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP).
Methods::
Twenty six eyes of 26 cases underwent PKP were analyzed. Mean age of the patients was 65 years old (46-89). Thirteen patients were male and 13 patients were female. Seventeen cases of bullous keratopathy, 5 cases of keratoconus and 2 cases of corneal dystrophy (lattice dystrophy:1, Macular dystrophy:1) were studied. Suturing Methods:8 interrupted sutures with 16 bites continuous sutures using 10-0 nylon were made. Suture knots of 8 IRS were set on the surface of host cornea and suture knot of CTS were buried host-graft junction at 12:30 position. None of the corneas had any vessels preoperatively. The number of suture with neovascularization was observed and counted using slit-lamp at the time when the vessels were most active condition from 19 to 131 days after PKP.
Results::
Average number of suture with neovascularization were 4.65 per 8 IRS and 3.65 sutures with neovascularization per 16 bites CTS. There was statistically significant difference in the rate of neovascularized sutures between IRS and CTS (p<0.01). Graft rejection was found in 2 eyes (7.7%).
Conclusions::
Interrupted suture produces vascularization at the site of the knot. This does not occur with continous suture. Suture knot stimulates the grouwth of new vessels.
Keywords: cornea: clinical science