Posters

Evolution of keratoplasty techniques over 17 years at a tertiary referral center in Athens, Greece

Poster Details

First Author: D. Miltsakakis GREECE

Co Author(s):    G. Bagikos   A. Lazaridis   S. Souki   G. Kymionis   C. Koutsandrea   K. Droutsas     

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Aim of the present study is to describe the evolution of keratoplasty techniques applied at a tertiary referral center from 1999-2016.

Setting:

Athens University and State Eye Clinics, Hospital G. Gennimatas

Methods:

The present series includes all keratoplasty procedures performed between 1999 and 2016 at a tertiary referral center in Athens, Greece. Main outcome measure was the evolution of diverse keratoplasty techniques applied (penetrating and lamellar).

Results:

Penetrating keratoplasty (PK) was the only technique used until 2009. Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) was implemented 2009, reached a peak in 2012 (64.2%) and decreased at the last year of this series to 25.4%. Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) was implemented in 2013 and showed a 3-fold increase from 11.8% to 41.5% in 2014. In 2014 the rate of endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK and DMEK) was twice as high as PK (67% versus 33%). The number of triple procedures (cataract extraction combined with keratoplasty in the same session) remained stable over the years, yet the rate of triple DSAEK and triple DMEK was higher than that of triple PK.

Conclusions:

The shift of keratoplasty techniques from PK to DSAEK and DMEK illustrates the successful implementation of these two new techniques at our center. Both techniques rapidly became the treatment of choice in corneal endothelial failure and accounted for 2/3 of keratoplasties in the final year of our study. This may be attributed to a better safety profile, faster and better visual recovery and lower rejection rates of DSAEK and DMEK over PK.

Financial Disclosure:

NONE