La estandarización en el trasplante endotelial de membrana de Descemet: resultados de las primeras 450 cirugías / Standardization of the Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty technique: Outcomes of the first 450 consecutive cases

OBJETIVOS: Analizar los resultados de 450 casos con diferentes patologías endoteliales intervenidos mediante trasplante endotelial con la técnica de recambio de la membrana de Descemet (DMEK, por sus siglas en inglés: Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty) y evaluar las consecuencias de la estandarización de esta técnica. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se compararon 3 subgrupos consecutivos: el subgrupo I (casos 1-125) representaba la extensión de la curva de aprendizaje; el subgrupo II (casos 126-250) la transición a la estandarización de la técnica y el subgrupo III (casos 251-450) la estandarización propiamente dicha. Se registraron los resultados de agudeza visual mejor corregida pre- y postoperatorios, la densidad de células endoteliales, la paquimetría y las complicaciones. RESULTADOS: A los 6 meses de la cirugía, el 79% de los pacientes alcanzaron una agudeza visual mejor corregida ≥ 0,8 y el 43% ≥ 1. La densidad de células endoteliales media preoperatoria fue 2.530 ± 220 células/mm2, y 1.613 ± 495 células/mm2 al sexto mes poscirugía. La paquimetría era 668 ± 92 μm y 526 ± 46 μm pre- y postoperatoria a los 6 meses, respectivamente. No se encontraron diferencias en cuanto a la agudeza visual mejor corregida, la densidad de células endoteliales o la paquimetría entre los subgrupos (p > 0,05). El desprendimiento del injerto se observó en el 17,3% de los ojos. La tasa de desprendimientos disminuyó del 24 al 12%, y el número de reintervenciones, del 9,6 al 3,5%, del subgrupo I al III respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados visuales y la densidad de células endoteliales tras DMEK son independientes de la estandarización de la técnica quirúrgica. Sin embargo, la estandarización de la técnica podría haber contribuido con un descenso en el número de desprendimientos y con un relativamente bajo número de intervenciones secundarias. A la vista de estos resultados, DMEK podría convertirse en el tratamiento de elección para las enfermedades del endotelio corneal

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical outcome of the first 450 consecutive cases after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), as well as the effect of standardization of the technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Comparison between 3 groups: Group I: (cases 1-125), as the extended learning curve; Group II: (cases 126-250), transition to technique standardization; Group III: (cases 251-450), surgery with standardized technique. Best corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell density, pachymetry and intra- and postoperative complications were evaluated before, and 1, 3 and 6 months after DMEK. RESULTS: At 6 months after surgery, 79% of eyes reached a best corrected visual acuity of≥0.8 and 43%≥1.0. Mean preoperative endothelial cell density was 2,530±220 cells/mm2 and 1,613±495 at 6 months after surgery. Mean pachymetry measured 668±92 μm and 526±46 μm pre- and (6 months) postoperatively, respectively. There were no significant differences in best corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell density and pachymetry between the 3 groups (P > .05). Graft detachment presented in 17.3% of the eyes. The detachment rate declined from 24% to 12%, and the rate of secondary surgeries from 9.6% to 3.5%, from group I to III respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Visual outcomes and endothelial cell density after DMEK are independent of the technique standardization. However, technique standardization may have contributed to a lower graft detachment rate and a relatively low number of secondary interventions required. As such, DMEK may become the first choice of treatment in corneal endothelial disease

Standardization of the Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty technique: Outcomes of the first 450 consecutive cases.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical outcome of the first 450 consecutive cases after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), as well as the effect of standardization of the technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Comparison between 3 groups: Group I: (cases 1-125), as the extended learning curve; Group II: (cases 126-250), transition to technique standardization; Group III: (cases 251-450), surgery with standardized technique. Best corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell density, pachymetry and intra- and postoperative complications were evaluated before, and 1, 3 and 6 months after DMEK. RESULTS: At 6 months after surgery, 79% of eyes reached a best corrected visual acuity of≥0.8 and 43%≥1.0. Mean preoperative endothelial cell density was 2,530±220 cells/mm2 and 1,613±495 at 6 months after surgery. Mean pachymetry measured 668±92 µm and 526±46 µm pre- and (6 months) postoperatively, respectively. There were no significant differences in best corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell density and pachymetry between the 3 groups (P > .05). Graft detachment presented in 17.3% of the eyes. The detachment rate declined from 24% to 12%, and the rate of secondary surgeries from 9.6% to 3.5%, from group I to III respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Visual outcomes and endothelial cell density after DMEK are independent of the technique standardization. However, technique standardization may have contributed to a lower graft detachment rate and a relatively low number of secondary interventions required. As such, DMEK may become the first choice of treatment in corneal endothelial disease.