Dr. U M VARA PRASAD

Dr.Madhu Uddaraju

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy of selective suture knot exposure in early graft fusion and prompting the patient to seek immediate care in post operative period.

This was prospective study done in 22 patients in 24 months. Like keratoplasty surgery using interrupted sutures, in each quadrant 1 suture knot was intentionally left exposed on the conjuctival side in 4 quadrants to attract vascularization and aid in early fusion. Postoperatively evaluated on day1, 1st week,1,3 months, every 2–3 months. In followup assessed the extent of vascularization at the exposed suture knots and early graft fusion & anatomical retention. 22 cases vascularization occurred as desired in time of 12-14 weeks. 9 patients seeked immediate care in the early postoperative period when bandage contact lens was lost due to obvious irritation and foreign body sensation.

This technique has the double advantage of achieving early vascularisation for better graft fusion & also prompts the patient to seek immediate care.