Back to Freepaper Session

Multicenter trial on Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK): first case series of 18 surgeons

Session Details

Session Title: Cornea

Session Date/Time: Sunday 16/02/2014 | 08:30-11:00

Paper Time: 09:36

Venue: Linhart Hall (Level -2)

First Author: : VasilisLiarakos GREECE

Co Author(s): :    Claire Monnereau   Peter Ciechanowski   Isabel Dapena   Gerrit Melles     

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To document the clinical outcome of standardized ‘no-touch’ Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and its complications during surgeons’ learning curve.

Setting:

Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery

Methods:

18 surgeons in 11 different countries performed DMEK for endothelial dysfunction in 431 eyes. Endothelial cell density (ECD), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and complications were documented.

Results:

94% of the eyes improved their BCVA postoperatively; 79% of them reached a BCVA of ≥20/40, 43% of ≥20/25, and 22% of ≥20/20 within 6 months. Average decrease in ECD was 47% at 6 months. The main postoperative complication was (partial) graft detachment (35%) basically treated with re-bubbling (20%). A re-transplantation was required in 18% of the cases due to primary or secondary failure. Small differentiations in the technique (in terms of the inserter, the storage medium and the air-bubble time) presented a relative effect on the outcome.

Conclusions:

Despite the learning curve, DMEK showed feasible and presented favorable outcomes as a new technique. Outsourcing DMEK graft harvesting and adequate choice of preservation medium may enhance the outcome. FINANCIAL INTEREST: NONE