Microvascular submandibular gland transfer for severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca: operation key points, prevention and management of complications

Abstract

Objective: To summarize operation key points, prevention and management of complications in vascularized autotransplantation of submandibular gland for treatment of severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Methods: 23 patients with severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca were treated by this procedure. Postoperative (99m)Tc images, follow-up studies, and management of complications were performed.

Results: The transplantations were successful in 19 cases, whose symptoms of xerophthalmia disappeared. The patients could stop applying artificial tears. In 4 patients the transplanted glands did not survive. Epiphora occurred in 5 cases. They were successfully treated by reducing the size of the graft. Obstruction of the Wharton's duct took place in one case and was treated by reconstructing the duct. When the superficial temporal vein was too small, venous bridging was applied. To select a relevant vein for anastomosis, blood oozing from the three veins was carefully inspected prior cutting off the gland when the external maxillary artery was preserved and was infused with heparin after the gland had been freed.

Conclusions: If every point has been properly managed, the successful rate of operation could be warranted.