Traumatic wound dehiscence after penetrating keratoplasty

Abstract

Background: Traumatic wound dehiscence after penetrating keratoplasty is probably underestimated.

Patients: From the files of the University Eye Hospital Tübingen (1981-1993), 15 patients with a traumatic wound dehiscence after penetrating keratoplasty were investigated.

Results: Latency between corneal grafting and wound rupture ranged from 1 month to 25 years (mean 6.2 years). Wound dehiscence was quite evenly distributed over the circle. Intraocular tissue was lost to a variable extent. Three eyes were primarily or secondarily enucleated. Seven eyes (47%) with an originally reduced but useful vision became blind or were removed. Most (67%) of the resutured grafts lost transparency.

Conclusions: Traumatic wound dehiscence is a serious and not very rare complication after penetrating keratoplasty. Functional results are poor.