Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of the hybrid technique of posterior lamellar keratoplasty (DMEK-S). Materials and Methods: 71 eyes of 55 patients enrolled in a single-center study underwent posterior lamellar keratoplasty with a hybrid lamella DMEK-S implanted using a solution implantation technique, owing to endothelial dysfunction. The outcome measures studied were visual acuity and endothelial cell density. Results: The rate of endothelial cell loss caused by surgery was 43.8%. During followups, we observed the stabilization of postoperative findings, or at minimum a very low rate of corneal endothelial cell loss. The UCDVA and BCDVA dramatically improved postoperatively. The rebubbling rate in our group of patients was 61.9%. We replaced the lamella due to its failure or malfunction in 17 patients (23.9%). Conclusion: In summary, DMEK-S combines the advantages of DSEK/DSAEK and DMEK. The central zone of bare Descemet's membrane and endothelium allows for very good visual outcomes, and the peripheral rim allows for better manipulation of the lamella during implantation. It is an effective method of treating the endothelial dysfunction of various etiologies, but the high complication rate needs to be addressed before widespread implementation of the technique in the future.
Highlights
Corneal endothelium dysfunction, as well as the resulting reduced transparency due to corneal edema, remains a major indication for corneal transplantation
In summary, Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK)-S combines the advantages of Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK)/Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) and DMEK
It is an effective method of treating the endothelial dysfunction of various etiologies, but the high complication rate needs to be addressed before widespread implementation of the technique in the future
Summary
As well as the resulting reduced transparency due to corneal edema, remains a major indication for corneal transplantation. Its main advantages compared to conventional penetrating keratoplasty are a rapid improvement in visual functions, lower incidence of serious postoperative complications, a sutureless technique and significantly higher comfort for the patient [1, 2]. The disadvantages of these surgeries are the relatively high technical difficulty involved and the high loss of transplanted endothelium cells during the procedure in the early postoperative period [3, 4]. Many eye surgeons have focused on this issue in an attempt to simplify the procedure and improve the long-term results of lamellar keratoplasty. The optimal procedure has not yet been clearly established and there are many variations of the operation
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