Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty Using Artificial Biotransplant in Veterinary Ophthalmology

Abstract

The article describes a method for anterior lamellar keratoplasty with biological material from porcine small
intestine submucosa (tunica submucosa) used to replace the damaged area of the cornea. The indications
for surgery were deep ulcers caused by chronic irritation, septic ulcers with elements of keratomalacia,
corneal sequesters, traumatic needle-shaped ulcers and xerotic ulcers in cats. Complete graft integration was
achieved in 27 eyes (77,14 %) of 35. In 8 cases (22,86 %) complications occurred. Suture failures, partial graft
integration and central thinning of the transplant were later corrected by repeated surgeries. Panophthalmitis
developed in one eye required its enucleation. Observating the late postoperative period showed a minimal
decrease in visual functions, which is not always possible to achieve through other surgeries.