11-0 Mersilene alone as a single running suture in corneal grafts

Eye (Lond). 2001 Jun;15(Pt 3):288-91. doi: 10.1038/eye.2001.96.

Abstract

Purpose: To study the safety and long-term stability of 11-0 Mersilene when used alone as a single running suture in corneal grafts.

Methods: Seventeen eyes on which corneal transplants were performed with 11-0 Mersilene alone as a single running suture between October 1992 and April 1998 were entered into this study. Post-operative data were collected retrospectively on a standardised form. Mean age of patients at the time of surgery was 49.7 years. Pre-operative diagnoses were keratoconus (8 eyes), Fuchs' corneal dystrophy (6 eyes), megalocornea (1 eye), bullous keratopathy (1 eye) and irregular astigmatism following penetrating corneal injury (1 eye). Mean follow-up was 54.1 months, and ranged between 24 and 91 months.

Results: Fourteen eyes (82%) achieved visual acuities of 6/18 or better. Post-keratoplasty astigmatism was < or = 5D in 14 eyes (82%). Sutures were left intact in 9 eyes for a mean period of 51.1 months (24-91 months). Complications included wound leak (3 cases), elevated edge (1 case), high intraocular pressure (1 case), sterile infiltrates (1 case) and early rejection (1 case).

Conclusion: 11-0 Mersilene alone can be effectively used as a single running suture in corneal grafts. These sutures can safely be left intact for a long period due to Mersilene's non-biodegradable nature.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Astigmatism / etiology
  • Corneal Diseases / surgery
  • Corneal Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Corneal Transplantation / methods*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polyethylene Terephthalates*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Suture Techniques
  • Sutures*
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Polyethylene Terephthalates
  • Lavsan