The Effect of the Experimental Parotid Duct-conjunctivoplasty Using Saphenous Vein Graft

ABSTRACT

Experimental parotid duct-conjunctivoplasty was carried out using great saphenous vein graft in six dogs. After the operation, the tear meniscus level in the operated eye was higher than that of the control eye. The parotid secretion was noticed through the conjunctival opening of the vein graft in the lower lateral fornix. Profuse tearing was not detected during the time of having meal, which was supposed due to a good lacrimal drainage. In Schirmer test of the operated eye, the preoperative mean value was similar to the postoperative value. But, the intraprandial mean value of Schirmer test was measured as slightly higher than the preprandial value. In paired t-test, no significant difference could be detected. On scintigraphic study with 99mTc-O4, three cases of the four dogs revealed the parotid flow with good patency of the grafted vein. These results suggest that the parotid duct-conjunctivoplasty will be an effective surgery for dry eye syndrome, if the grafted vein could be kept from an obstruction for a prolonged period.