Clinical decision paths in KPro Surgery

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To analyse the currently available methods for treating very severe anterior segment disease, such as stem cell transplantation with amniotic membrane transplantation, lamellar and penetrating keratoplasty techniques, and the different Kpro´s currently available, in regard to the initial clinical findings, the potential complications encountered and the surgical requirements needed for the different techniques. Factors considered are: uni‐ or bilaterality, limbal stem cell status, dry eye status and availability of healthy teeth. Methods A systematic analysis of surgical options available for different stages of a variety of anterior segment diseases and currently published results of VA and complications Results With a systematic approach it becomes clear that some popular reconstructive surgical techniques should be avoided in cases where a very low chance of success is to be expected (e.g. amniotic membrane and stem cell transplantation and /or PKP in very dry eyes –> these would have to be treated with OOKP). Conclusion Following a simple the clinical decision path the anterior segment surgeon will be presented with standardized guidelines for treating those patients where conventional surgical procedures have to be avoided and replaced by rather rarely performed KPro techniques.