Results Of Ultrathin Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty Using Pre-Cut Donor Tissue From N H S B T
Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: POCOR262 | Type: Poster | DOI: 10.82333/nfcv-9d78
Authors: Ms Ramendra Bakshi* 1 , Ms LANA FARAJ 2
1CORNEA AND ANTERIOR SEGMENT,UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS OF DERBY AND BURTON,BURTON -ON- TRENT,United Kingdom, 2CORNEA AND ANTERIOR SEGMENT,UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS OF DERBY AND BURTON,DERBY,United Kingdom
Purpose
To evaluate the results of Ultrathin Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) using pre-cut Donor Tissue from NHSBT.
Setting
Retrospective review of 16 eyes of 16 patients who underwent UT-DSAEK at Queens Hospital Burton between November 2023 to May 2025.
Methods
All UT-DSAEK surgeries were performed by the same surgeon RB. Pre-op Endothelial Cell Density and Donor tissue thickness were recorded. Pre and post op Corneal thickness, vision, IOP and post op graft clarity were documented. Insertion technique using the Busin glide was performed in all cases. 20% SF6 gas was used for tamponading the graft.
There were 8 males and 8 females. Mean age was 77.4+/-7.54 years. Indications were; Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy in 7, Pseudophakic Bullous Keratopathy in 4, Decompensated Cornea in 2 and Failed Endothelial Keratoplasty in 3 patients.7 patients underwent combined UT-DSAEK with cataract surgery.
Results
Mean follow up was 12.75+/-13.58 months. Mean preop BCVA was 1.44+/-0.69 logmar which improved to 0.49+/-0.29 logmar. Mean preop corneal thickness was 705+/-33.58 microns which reduced to 593+/-22.91 microns. Mean pre op Endothelial Cell Density was 2507+/-123.07. Mean preop donor lenticule thickness was 98+/-7.81 microns.14 patients (87.5%) had clear grafts at last follow up. Re-bubbling was needed in 5 patients(31.25%) within the first 4 weeks postop. Intraoperative Hyphaema and superior small iridodialysis was noted in 1 patient. Co-existing Herpes simplex keratitis and retained viscoelastic leading to graft detachment were causes of graft failure in 2 patients.
Conclusions
Conclusions: UT-DSAEK is a safe and effective technique for visual rehabilitation in patients with Endothelial decompensation due to various causes. Minimal complications and a high success rate were noted in our series. UT-DSAEK can be performed in all types of eyes, even in those with complicated anatomy or poor anterior chamber visualization.