Reconstruction of Contracted Anophthalmic Socket with Acellular Dermal Allograft

PURPOSE: To study the use of acellular dermal allografts for the reconstruction of contracted anophthalmic sockets. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 12 patients with contracted sockets who underwent reconstructive surgery using acellular dermal allografts from 2002 to 2006. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 44.4 years. The mean duration of conjunctival sac contracture after removal of the eyeball was 21.4 years. In 4 patients, acellular dermal allografts were used as spacer grafts to elevate the eyelids, and in 8 patients the allografts were used as a conjunctival grafting material. All patients were able to wear ocular prostheses comfortably 2.2 months after surgery with acceptable cosmesis. There were no serious complications, such as infections or graft rejections during follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: When used as conjunctival grafting materials and tarsal substitutes to elevate patients' eyelids, acellular dermal allografts gave cosmetically and functionally acceptable results in the surgical rehabilitation of contracted sockets.

Anophthalmic Conjunctival Sac Reconstruction using Acellular Dermal Allograft

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical results and safety of the acellular dermal allograft (SureDerm(R), Hans Biomed co., Korea) as a new spacer graft in anophthalmic socket contracture. METHODS: We grafted SureDerm(R) as the replacing spacer in 8 patients for the treatment of anophthalmic socket contracture. Under local anesthesia, SureDerm(R) was sutured at the levator aponeurosis and upper margin of the tarsus using 6-0 Vicryl in the upper lid. In the lower lid, SureDerm(R) was sutured at the tarsal conjunctiva and lower margin of the incised conjunctiva. The patients were followed-up individually for 6 to 15 months. RESULTS Surgical results in all 8 eyelids (6 lower lids, 2 upper lids) were satisfactory. The grafted SureDerm(R) survived in all patients with little contracture. There were no other complications such as infection, rejection, or exposure. CONCLUSIONS: We consider SureDerm(R) a good replacing spacer material for the treatment of anophthalmic socket contracture.