Nick, Loop And Pull Technique Of Corneal Suture Removal.

To devise and report a standardized step-wise approach of corneal suture removal.

Cornea, Cataract & Refractive Surgery Services, Dr. RajendraPrasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

A review of the literature and observed practiced suture removal techniques by ophthalmologists and corneal surgeons was performed. Associated problems were noted, such as epithelial defects, wound dehiscence, and bleeding from the vascularized cornea in deeply buried sutures. A  step-wise approach was devised hitherto described as the Nick, Loop, and Pull technique, providing a systematic step-wise method of corneal suture removal,which was tested clinically for complications.

This technique was performed successfully in 20 eyes with comparatively fewer complications after corneal suture removal compared to routine methods.

This standardized step-wise approach of corneal suture removal is feasible, reproducible, and easy to learn, and causes less deleterious effects on the cornea and its wound integrity.