RESULTS OF A CASE SERIES OF DSAEK (DESCEMET STRIPPING WITH AUTOMATED ENDOTHELIAL KERATOPLASTY) AT VIRGEN DE VALME UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Our main objective is to describe the DSAEK procedure performed at the Virgen de Valme University Hospital and analyze the data obtained in the pre and post-surgical follow-up of 7 DSAEK cases in our center.

Series of 7 cases from the Virgen de Valme University Hospital in Seville (Spain).

7 patients with DSAEK were recruited. Outcome measures include visual acuity, biomicroscopy, and pre- and postoperative pachymetry.

6 of the 7 patients had visual acuity equal to or greater than 30% after DSAEK. 6 of the 7 patients suffered from Fuchs' dystrophy, the remaining patient suffered from corneal decompensation secondary to cataract surgery. Slit lamp examination 3 months after DSAEK revealed absence of rejection signs in 6 of 7 patients. Pachymetry was evaluated prior to surgery (24 hours before DSAEK) and after surgery (3 months after surgery): mean preoperative pachymetry was 628 microns and mean postoperative pachymetry using OCT was 723 microns.

DSAEK has clear advantages over classic penetrating keratoplasties, both in visual results, as well as in safety during surgery and recovery. Our group of patients presented mostly good visual acuity and recovery results. The anterior segment OCT is a useful tool in the surgical indication and also after surgery. Pachymetry can be obtained with different techniques, such as with anterior segment OCT, and it helps us to indicate and follow corneal transplants as well as their complications.