A Ruler for Abdominoplasty Preoperative Markings: The Potential of Best Scar Symmetry

Background. Scar appearance is an important outcome in abdominoplasty surgery, and its asymmetry can have a significant impact on patient and surgeon satisfaction. Here, we compared the scar symmetry reached with a ruler specially designed for the preoperative marking in abdominoplasty to the classic preoperative incision marking. Methods. In this randomized, uni-blind study, 42 patients were allocated to 2 different groups. Group 1 patients had their preoperative marking made by a group of surgeons that used the classic technique as described by Baroudi (n = 21), and Group 2 patients received their preoperative marking by another group of surgeons, using a ruler specially designed to fit the abdominal contour (n = 21). Patients were evaluated using a standard questionnaire that collected information about general patient’s characteristics. On the follow-up period, we evaluated the presence of late surgical complications, need for revision surgery, patient’s satisfaction concerning the postoperative scar, and 4 distances were measured in both groups to assess symmetry. Statistical analysis was made. Results. A total of 42 patients underwent abdominoplasty and were evaluated on the follow-up period (mean time: 4 months). The mean difference of corresponding measures on each side (A-B vs. A-B’ and A-C vs. A-C’) was higher in Group 1 comparing to Group 2. The level of correlation between corresponding measurements was higher in Group 2. Better satisfaction regarding the scar symmetry was achieved in Group 2, being this result statistically significant ( P = .004). Conclusions. The use of the specialized ruler may help surgeons achieve a better scar symmetry with higher patient satisfaction.

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Extension block technique for mallet fractures: a comparison of one and two dorsal pins

Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume) ◽

10.1177/1753193416647725 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 41 (7) ◽

pp. 701-706 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

U. Akgun ◽

T. Bulut ◽

E. C. Zengin ◽

M. Tahta ◽

M. Sener

Keyword(s):

Controlled Study ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Outcome Scores ◽

Level 3 ◽

The Mean ◽

Group 2 ◽

Mean Time ◽

Extensor Lag ◽

Group 1

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of one or two dorsal pins for extension blocking of mallet fractures. We treated 36 mallet fractures with the extension block technique. A single pin was used in 19 fractures (Group 1) and two pins in 17 fractures (Group 2). The mean age was 33.6 years and the mean follow-up time was 12.2 months. All patients were assessed by the Crawford outcome score. Extensor lag and other complications were noted. All fractures united with a mean time of 6.0 weeks (4–9) in Group 1, and 6.1 weeks (4–7) in Group 2. We obtained 74% and 71% excellent and good outcome scores in Group 1 and in Group 2, respectively. The final extension lag was 6° in Group 1, and 7° in Group 2. No difference was found between the two groups in terms of clinical outcomes, radiological values and complications. Level 3 non-randomized controlled study.

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Creation of physiologic rhythm by closed loop stimulation in heart failure patients with severe chronotropic incompetence: worldwide first results of a pilot study

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.0803 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

J Proff ◽

B Merkely ◽

R Papp ◽

C Lenz ◽

P.J Nordbeck ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

Closed Loop ◽

Funding Source ◽

Chronotropic Incompetence ◽

First Results ◽

The Mean ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Abstract Background The prevalence of chronotropic incompetence (CI) in heart failure (HF) population is high and negatively impacts prognosis. In HF patients with an implanted cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) device and severe CI, the effect of rate adaptive pacing on patient outcomes is unclear. Closed loop stimulation (CLS) based on cardiac impedance measurement may be an optimal method of heart rate adaptation according to metabolic need in HF patients with severe CI. Purpose This is the first study evaluating the effect of CLS on the established prognostic parameters assessed by the cardio-pulmonary exercise (CPX) testing and on quality of life (QoL) of the patients. Methods A randomised, controlled, double-blind and crossover pilot study has been performed in CRT patients with severe CI defined as the inability to achieve 70% of the age-predicted maximum heart rate (APMHR). After baseline assessment, patients were randomised to either DDD-CLS pacing (group 1) or DDD pacing at 40 bpm (group 2) for a 1-month period, followed by crossover for another month. At baseline and at 1- and 2-month follow-ups, a CPX was performed and QoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. The main endpoints were the effect of CLS on ventilatory efficiency (VE) slope (evaluated by an independent CPX expert), the responder rate defined as an improvement (decrease) of the VE slope by at least 5%, percentage of maximal predicted heart rate reserve (HRR) achieved, and QoL. Results Of the 36 patients enrolled in the study, 20 fulfilled the criterion for severe CI and entered the study follow-up (mean age 68.9±7.4 years, 70% men, LVEF=41.8±9.3%, 40%/60% NYHA class II/III). Full baseline and follow-up datasets were obtained in 17 patients. The mean VE slope and HRR at baseline were 34.4±4.4 and 49.6±23.8%, respectively, in group 1 (n=7) and 34.5±12.2 and 54.2±16.1% in group 2 (n=10). After completing the 2-month CPX, the mean difference between DDD-CLS and DDD-40 modes was −2.4±8.3 (group 1) and −1.2±3.5 (group 2) for VE slope, and 17.1±15.5% (group 1) and 8.7±18.8% (group 2) for HRR. Altogether, VE slope improved by −1.8±2.95 (p=0.31) in DDD-CLS versus DDD-40, and HRR improved by 12.9±8.8% (p=0.01). The VE slope decreased by ≥5% in 47% of patients (“responders to CLS”). The mean difference in the QoL between DDD-CLS and DDD-40 was 0.16±0.25 in group 1 and −0.01±0.05 in group 2, resulting in an overall increase by 0.08±0.08 in the DDD-CLS mode (p=0.13). Conclusion First results of the evaluation of the effectiveness of CLS in CRT patients with severe CI revealed that CLS generated an overall positive effect on well-established surrogate parameters for prognosis. About one half of the patients showed CLS response in terms of improved VE slope. In addition, CLS improved quality of life. Further clinical research is needed to identify predictors that can increase the responder rate and to confirm improvement in clinical outcomes. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Biotronik SE & Co. KG

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Accelerated versus conventional Ponseti protocol for the treatment of idiopathic talipes equinovarus deformity: A short term follow up in Iraq

Zanco Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.15218/zjms.2021.009 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

pp. 473-479

Author(s):

Jagar Doski ◽

Berivan Jamal

Keyword(s):

Ponseti Method ◽

Congenital Talipes Equinovarus ◽

Talipes Equinovarus ◽

The Mean ◽

Congenital Talipes ◽

The Difference ◽

Group 2 ◽

Accelerated Protocol ◽

Group 1

Background and objective: The accelerated protocol of Ponseti method was suggested to shorten the period of treatment of the conventional one for the cases of talipes equinovarus deformity. This study aimed to compare the accelerated protocol of Ponseti method in the treatment of clubfoot deformity with the conventional one. Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted for infants less than six months with congenital talipes equinovarus deformity. The patients were randomized to either Group 1 (casts changed every week, conventional protocol of Ponseti method) or Group 2 (twice weekly, accelerated one). Pirani score was used to assess the severity of the deformity at presentation, at time of last cast removal, and at the last follow up visit (6th months). Results: The patients included were 48 cases with 79 feet. Group 1 (39 clubfeet) had a mean Pirani score of 5.6 (± 1.15) at presentation, which dropped to 0.47 (± 0.41) when the last cast was removed. In Group 2 (40 clubfeet), it dropped from 5.57 (± 0.83) to 0.77 (± 0.01). The result of each treatment protocol was significant, but the difference between them was not significant. Five cases (three patients aged more than three months) of Group 2 needed eight casts to reach an acceptable position of correction. The difference between the mean number of casts applied in Group 1 (5.09) and Group 2 (5.82) was statistically not significant. However, the difference between the mean number of days spent in the cast was significant. The complications occurred in 12 out of 79 feet, with no statistically significant difference between both groups. Conclusion: The accelerated protocol of Ponseti method for treating clubfoot deformity is as effective and as safe as the conventional one. It shortens the time required to complete the treatment program. Those who present lately (beyond the age of three months) may require an additional number of casts. Keywords: Clubfoot; Congenital talipes equinovarus; Ponseti; Accelerated; Cast.

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Comparison of Changes in Number of Hyperreflective Dots After İntravitreal Ranibizumab or Dexamethasone İmplant in Patients with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

10.21203/rs.3.rs-736656/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Aylin Karalezli ◽

Sema Kaderli ◽

Ahmet Kaderli ◽

Cansu Kaya ◽

Sabahattin Sul

Keyword(s):

First Year ◽

Intravitreal Ranibizumab ◽

Retinal Layers ◽

Vein Occlusion ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group 3 ◽

The Mean ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Abstract Purpose: To compare the effect of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) or intravitreal dexamethasone implants (IVD) on regression of hyperreflective dots (HRDs) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) B-scan in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods: 37 eyes of 37 patients with cystoid macular edema who received IVR or IVD and followed up for at least 12 months were included in this study. The patients were divided into three groups according to intravitreal treatment. Group 1 consisted of 12 eyes who received only IVD, group 2 consisted of 10 eyes who received only IVR on a pro re nata and group 3 consisted of 15 eyes who received both IVD and IVR. OCT parameters (CMT, number of HRDs, status of external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ)) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were compared between the groups over the follow-up time. HRDs were categorized as HRD in inner retinal layers (from the internal limiting membrane to the inner nuclear layer) or HRD in outer retinal layers (from the outer plexiform layer to the outer border of the photoreceptor layer).Results: There was no significant difference between groups in terms of BCVA, CMT, HRDs in the inner and the outer retinal layers at baseline visit. (p˃0.05 for all) Comparing the baseline values in all groups, a significant decrease was observed in CMT in the first year. (For group 1; p=0.013, group 2; p=0.010; group 3, p<0.001) The BCVA was significantly increased after 1 year in all groups. (p=0.001, p=0.006, p<0.001) The mean number of HRDs in inner and outer retinal layers were significantly decreased in group 1 and group 3. (For group 1; p<0.001, p=0.001, for group 3; p<0.001, p<0.001) However, there was no significant difference in terms of the mean number of HRDs in inner and outer retinal layers for group 2. (p=0.134, p=0.477) At the first year, the number of HRDs in inner and outer retinal layers was significantly lower in group 1 and group 3 than group 2. (For inner HRDs; group 1 vs. group 2 p=0.007, group 2 vs. group 3 p<0.001. For outer HRDs group 1 vs. group 2 p<0.001, group 2 vs. group 3 p<0.001.) The BCVA was higher in group 3 than group 2 at 1year. (p=0.048). There was no significant difference in terms of post-treatment CMT and the number of HRDs between group 1 and group3 in posthoc tests (p=0.621, p=0.876, and p=0.632).Conclusion: The reduction in HRDs at 12 months and better BCVA after IVD intimates that the HRDs should be considered as inflammatory markers in the follow-up of CME in BRVO. Thus, IVD injection could be more appropriate for patients with higher HRDs after BRVO.

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Revisiting conventional adenoidectomy using technology

International Journal of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery ◽

10.18203/issn.2454-5929.ijohns20202603 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (7) ◽

pp. 1232

Author(s):

Kiran Gangadhar S. ◽

Sonee Thingujam ◽

Jayita Poduval

Keyword(s):

Blood Loss ◽

Paediatric Population ◽

Lateral View ◽

Respiratory Pathogens ◽

Moderate Degree ◽

Ventilation Tubes ◽

The Mean ◽

Group 2 ◽

Mean Time ◽

Group 1

Background: Adenoidectomy is one of the most frequently applied surgical procedures in the paediatric population, either alone or in conjunction with tonsillectomy and/or insertion of ventilation tubes. The main purpose of the adenoidectomy is to eliminate the nasopharyngeal respiratory pathogens and to remove nasal airway obstruction. Aim of the study was to compare the outcomes of conventional and endoscopic assisted curettage adenoidectomy.Methods: In this comparative study, 50 patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (25 patients) underwent endoscopic curettage adenoidectomy and group 2 (25 patients) underwent conventional curettage adenoidectomy. Intraoperative time, complications and postoperative pain were recorded. Results: 72% in group 1 and 64% in group 2 had grade 2 adenoid hypertrophy. 68% in group 1 and 64% in group 2 had a moderate degree of obstruction in lateral view of soft tissue X-ray nasopharynx. The mean time taken for surgery in group 1 was 13.29±3.28 minutes, and in group 2,6.28±2.31 minutes. Minimal loss of blood was recorded in group 1 with less than 20 ml, whereas in group 2, the blood loss was high; 30% of patients had blood loss more than 30 ml. In group 1, the mean VAS was 3.25 and 2.55 in group 2 2.55. In group 1, 4% of patients had primary haemorrhage and in group 2, 8% of patients had primary haemorrhage. No patient had velopharyngeal dysfunction in either group.Conclusions: More operative time but less blood loss were noted in endoscopic adenoidectomy. Intraoperative visualisation of the nasopharynx in endoscopic procedures showed no significant advantage over conventional adenoidectomy.

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Efficacy of Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant in Different Patterns of Diabetic Macular Edema

Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research ◽

10.18502/jovr.v15i4.7787 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Claudio Furino ◽

Alfredo Niro ◽

Michele Reibaldi ◽

Maria Oliva Grassi ◽

Francesco Boscia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Macular Edema ◽

Diabetic Macular Edema ◽

Serous Retinal Detachment ◽

Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant ◽

The Mean ◽

Group 2 ◽

Intravitreal Dexamethasone ◽

Pattern Group ◽

Group 1

Purpose: Different patterns of diabetic macular edema (DME) suggest different pathogenesis and drug response. We evaluated the outcomes after intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implant for DME with or without serous retinal detachment (SRD). Methods: In this retrospective study, 22 naïve patients (23 eyes) with DME who underwent a single DEX implant were evaluated. Based on the optical coherence tomographic pattern of DME, 12 eyes had a cystoid macular edema pattern (Group 1) and 11 eyes had an SRD pattern (Group 2). The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (СRТ), central retinal volume (CRV), SRD height (SRDh), and intraocular pressure (IOP) were recorded before and at two and four months after the treatment. Results: There were no significant differences between the groups regarding demographic, clinical data and outcomes at baseline. In Group 1, the CRT and CRV significantly decreased at two months (P = 0.002 and P = 0.01, respectively), while the BCVA significantly improved at four months (P = 0.03). In Group 2, the CRT and CRV significantly improved (P < 0.01 and P ≤ 0.01, respectively) during the follow-up period. At four months, both groups showed a recurrence of DME, Group 1 in particular (two-month CRT reduction, –149 ± 127 μm vs four-month CRT reduction, –72 ± 174 μm; P = 0.04). The mean reduction in CRV was significantly different at four months (Group 1, –0.49 ± 1.7 mm3 vs Group 2, –1.3 ± 1.3 mm3; P = 0.04). In Group 2, the SRDh significantly decreased at two (P = 0.01) and four months (P = 0.01). Four cases with elevated IOP were managed. Conclusion: DEX implants were found to be effective in different patterns of DME. The SRD pattern may predict a longer-lasting morphologic efficacy.

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Equality in Hip Arthroscopy Outcomes Can Be Achieved Regardless of Patient Socioeconomic Status

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/03635465211046932 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 036354652110469

Author(s):

Benjamin R. Saks ◽

Vivian W. Ouyang ◽

Elijah S. Domb ◽

Andrew E. Jimenez ◽

David R. Maldonado ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Socioeconomic Status ◽

Hip Arthroscopy ◽

Labral Tear ◽

Harris Hip Score ◽

Group 4 ◽

Patient Reported ◽

The Mean ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Background: Access to quality health care and treatment outcomes can be affected by patients’ socioeconomic status (SES). Purpose: To evaluate the effect of patient SES on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after arthroscopic hip surgery. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Demographic, radiographic, and intraoperative data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed on all patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and labral tear between February 2008 and September 2017 at one institution. Patients were divided into 4 cohorts based on the Social Deprivation Index (SDI) of their zip code. SDI is a composite measure that quantifies the level of disadvantage in certain geographical areas. Patients had a minimum 2-year follow-up for the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS), International Hip Outcome Tool—12, and visual analog scale (VAS) for both pain and satisfaction. Rates of achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) were calculated for the mHHS, NAHS, and VAS pain score. Rates of secondary surgery were also recorded. Results: A total of 680 hips (616 patients) were included. The mean follow-up time for the entire cohort was 30.25 months. Division of the cohort into quartiles based on the SDI national averages yielded 254 hips (37.4%) in group 1, 184 (27.1%) in group 2, 148 (21.8%) in group 3, and 94 (13.8%) in group 4. Group 1 contained the most affluent patients. There were significantly more men in group 4 than in group 2, and the mean body mass index was greater in group 4 than in groups 1 and 2. There were no differences in preoperative radiographic measurements, intraoperative findings, or rates of concomitant procedures performed. All preoperative and postoperative PROMs were similar between the groups, as well as in the rates of achieving the MCID or PASS. No differences in the rate of secondary surgeries were reported. Conclusion: Regardless of SES, patients were able to achieve significant improvements in several PROMs after hip arthroscopy for FAIS and labral tear at the minimum 2-year follow-up. Additionally, patients from all SES groups achieved clinically meaningful improvement at similar rates.

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Application of femtolaser-assisted phacoemulsification in combined pathology of cataract and glaucoma

Modern technologies in ophtalmology ◽

10.25276/2312-4911-2021-2-18-21 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 18-21

Author(s):

A.P. Voznyuk ◽

◽

S.I. Anisimov ◽

S.Y. Anisimova ◽

L.L. Arutyunyan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Surgical Treatment ◽

Biomechanical Properties ◽

Mean Values ◽

Long Term Follow Up ◽

The Mean ◽

Group 2 ◽

Observation Period ◽

Group 1

Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of femtolaser-assisted phacoemulsification in glaucomatous eyes in the long-term follow-up. Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of the results of the surgical treatment of patients with combined cataract and glaucoma pathology was analyzed. The patients were divided into groups depending on the method of surgical intervention: 1) phacoemulsification with femtolaser support (26 eyes, 23 patients); 2) phacoemulsification (36 eyes, 30 patients); Results. Before surgery, there were no statistically significant differences in IOP and corneal hysteresis (СН) between groups 1 and 2. The mean values of IOP cc, IOP g and СН of group 1 before surgery were 22.7±6.1 mm Hg, 20.9±6.9 mm Hg, 8.5±1.6 mm Hg; 2 group – 22.9±8.7 mm Hg, 21.6±8.9 mm Hg, 8.9±1.6 mm Hg respectively. Average values of IOP cc, IOP g and CН 5 years after the surgical treatment in group 1 were 15.3±1.2 mm Hg, 14.4±3.4 mm Hg, 9.6±4.2 mm Hg; in group 2 – 18.0±4.2 mm Hg, 16.1±4.2 mm Hg, 8.8±2.2 mm Hg respectively. In both groups, stabilization of IOP and CH indices was noted, which remained throughout the entire observation period, which shows the normalization of the biomechanical properties of the corneoscleral membrane of the eye in the long-term postoperative period. Conclusion. Femtolaser accompaniment of phacoemulsification is an effective and safe method of cataract surgery for combined pathology. Key words: femtolaser, cataract, glaucoma, phacoemulsification.

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Patient Access to Hepatitis C Treatment After Incorporation of Pharmacists in a Hepatology Clinic

Hospital Pharmacy ◽

10.1177/00185787211037540 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 001857872110375

Author(s):

Frank A. Fanizza ◽

Jennifer Loucks ◽

Angelica Berni ◽

Meera Shah ◽

Dennis Grauer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis C ◽

Medication Adherence ◽

Hcv Treatment ◽

Clinical Pharmacists ◽

The Mean ◽

Group 2 ◽

Cure Rates ◽

The Impact ◽

Mean Time ◽

Group 1

Background: Modern hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment regimens yield cure rates greater than 90%. However, obtaining approval for treatment through the prior authorization (PA) process can be time consuming and require extensive documentation. Lack of experience with this complex process can delay HCV medication approval, ultimately increasing the amount of time before patients start treatment and in some cases, prevent treatment altogether. Objectives: Assess the impact of incorporating clinical pharmacists into specialty pharmacy and hepatology clinic services on medication access, patient adherence, and outcomes in patients being treated for HCV. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort exploratory study of patients seen in an academic medical center hepatology clinic who had HCV prescriptions filled between 8/1/15 and 7/31/17. Patients were categorized by whether they filled prescriptions prior to (Pre-Group) or after (Post-Group) the implementation of a pharmacist in clinic. The Post-Group was further divided according to whether the patient was seen by a pharmacist in clinic (Post-Group 2) or if the patient was not seen by the pharmacist, but had their HCV therapy evaluated by the pharmacist before seeking insurance approval (Post-Group 1). Results: The mean time from the prescription being ordered to being dispensed was longer in the Pre-Group (50.8 ± 66.5 days) compared to both Post-Groups (22.2 ± 27.8 days in Post-Group 1 vs 18.9 ± 17.7 days in Post-Group 2; P < .05). The mean time from when the prescription was ordered to when the PA was submitted was longer in the Pre-Group (41.6 ± 71.9 days) compared to both Post-Groups (6.3 ± 16 in Post-Group 1 vs 4.1 ± 9.7 in Post-Group 2; P < .05). Rates of medication adherence and sustained virologic response were similar between all groups. Conclusion: Incorporation of clinical pharmacists into a hepatology clinic significantly reduced the time patients waited to start HCV treatment. In addition to improving access to medications, implementation of the model helped to maintain excellent medication adherence and cure rates.

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Topographically Guided Two-Step LASIK and Standard LASIK in the Correction of Refractive Errors after Penetrating Keratoplasty

European Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1177/112067210901900404 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 19 (4) ◽

pp. 535-543 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Leopoldo Spadea ◽

Massimo Saviano ◽

Angela Di Gregorio ◽

Domenico Di Lodovico ◽

Fabio De Sanctis

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Penetrating Keratoplasty ◽

Laser In Situ Keratomileusis ◽

Refractive Errors ◽

Manifest Refraction ◽

Uncorrected Visual Acuity ◽

The Mean ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Purpose To evaluate in a long-term period the effectiveness and safety of topographically guided two-step laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and standard LASIK technique in the correction of refractive errors after successful penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) for keratoconus. Methods At least 2 years after PKP and 6 months after removal of all sutures, 15 eyes of 15 patients (Group 1; mean manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE) −7.23 D ± 3.42 SD) were submitted to standard LASIK and 15 eyes of 15 patients (Group 2; mean MRSE −4.37 D ± 1.97 SD) to a topographically guided two-step LASIK procedure (first the flap and at least 2 weeks later the laser ablation). In all cases, a superior hinged corneal flap (160 μm/9.5 mm) was created. Results After a follow-up of 36 months, in Group 1 the mean uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 0.51 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) ± 0.41 SD and the mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.03 logMAR ± 0.05 SD, with a mean MRSE of −1.57 D ± 2.65 SD. In Group 2, the mean UCVA was 0.28 logMAR ± 0.24 SD and the mean BCVA was 0.01 logMAR ± 0.03 SD, with a mean MRSE of −0.07 D ± 1.00 SD. In both groups, no complications were observed. Conclusions After a long follow-up period, both topographically guided two-step LASIK and standard LASIK could be considered effective and safe tools in the correction of refractive errors after successful PKP for keratoconus.

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