Aim: To report the outcomes of three cases of corneal perforation managed with simultaneous tectonic Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (t-DSEK) and tectonic Bowman layer transplant (t-BLT) as an alternative to tectonic penetrating keratoplasty (t-PKP).
Methods: Three eyes of three patients receiving simultaneous t-DSEK and t-BLT for corneal perforation were included. The technique for DSEK was modified depending on individual requirements. The t-BLT technique was standardised using an 8 mm graft and fixated with a running suture. Success was measured by the ability of this procedure to close a corneal perforation.
Results: All three cases achieved tectonic eye globe restoration and remained stable during the minimum 3-month observation period. Reinterventions were relatively common: 2 cases required amniotic membrane transplant for persistent epithelial defects. One case required DSEK rebubbling. One case developed angle closure glaucoma requiring surgical peripheral iridectomy.
Conclusion: Simultaneous t-DSEK and t-BLT may be a useful strategy for the management of corneal perforation as an alternative management to t-PKP for selected cases.
Keywords: Bowman layer transplant; Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty; penetrating keratoplasty; tectonic corneal graft.
International Journal of Ophthalmology Press.