Conjunctivochalasis Surgery: Amniotic Membrane Transplantation with Fibrin Glue

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We evaluated the effect of amniotic membrane transplantation with fibrin glue after redundant conjunctival resection. METHODS: After enchelon-shaped resection of inferior redundant conjunctiva, an amniotic membrane was transplanted using fibrin glue in symptomatic conjunctivochalasis. Conjunctiva was fixed to the episclera with 10-0 nylon. RESULTS: The subjects were 18 eyes of 9 patients (two males=4 eyes, seven females=14 eyes) with an average age of 67.9+/-7.7 years (range 54-79 years). Mean operation time was 35.6+/-5.6 minutes/eye (range 30-45 minutes/eye) and mean numbers of sutures were 8+/-0.76 (range 7-9). The mean follow-up period was 10.4+/-3 months (range 6-14 months) and the mean time to full epithelization was 14.5+/-3.4 days (range 11-20 days). At postoperative days 1-2, the lower tear meniscus was reconstructed. There were no recurrences or any postoperative complications observed. CONCLUSIONS: Amniotic membrane transplantation after redundant conjunctival resection in conjunctivochalasis resulted in reconstruction of the lower tear meniscus with stable conjunctival surface and marked improvement of subjective symptoms. Operation time and early postoperative irritation symptoms could be reduced with the use of fibrin glue.