Suturing Technique to Promote Graft Attachment in Challenging Cases of Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty

Aims: To describe a technique that uses a transcorneal fixation suture for graft attachment in endothelial keratoplasty in high-risk for graft dislocation eyes. Materials and Methods: Case series included 12 eyes of 12 patients who underwent Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) in the presence of high risk for graft dislocation factors. We describe a surgical technique that uses a transcorneal fixation suture to compress the donor graft onto the back surface of the recipient cornea. Outcome measures included intraoperative and postoperative complications, graft attachment and clarity and endothelial cell count at a 12 months follow-up period. Results: No intraoperative complications were noted and 11 grafts remained attached and clear with no suture related complications at a 12-month follow-up period. Partial peripheral graft detachment due to suture related graft folds, accompanied by mild corneal edema was noticed in one patient postoperatively. Reattachment and edema resolution occurred spontaneously after suture removal. The mean endothelial cell loss was 38.21% at 12 months. Conclusions: Temporary transcorneal fixation suture can be helpful in preventing graft detachment in eyes with high risk for graft dislocation.