Objective: To describe the results of amniotic membrane (AM) transplantation, using the simultaneous application of 0.02% Mitomycin C (MMC), in conjunctival fornix reconstruction.
Material: We compared two groups of patients: group A, who were treated only with AM and group B, in whom MMC (0.02%) was also applied. Operative technique used: In group A, the surgical procedure involved a careful removal of the cicatricial tissue, followed by AM transplantation. In group B, following the careful removal of the cicatricial tissue, 0.02% MMC was then applied to the surgical field for 60 seconds, and this was followed by extensive irrigation with saline solution. AM transplantation was then performed. We ultimately evaluated the depth of the conjunctival fornix and ocular motility.
Results: Group A: eleven eyes of eleven patients were evaluated. Seven had chemical injuries, three had traumatic symblepharon and one had Stevens-Johnson syndrome. In two cases a 7 mm or greater conjunctival fornix depth was observed. In four cases the ocular motility was better than -1. Group B: Twelve eyes of twelve patients were evaluated. Seven had chemical injuries, 2 had traumatic symblepharon and 3 had Stevens-Johnson syndrome. In nine cases a 7 mm or greater conjunctival fornix depth was obtained. In 9 cases the ocular motility restriction was resolved. Poor results of fornix reconstruction, as well as ocular motility, were observed in those patients with autoimmune diseases, irrespective of the treatment used.
Conclusions: The simultaneous combination of AM and MMC results in better conjunctival fornix reconstruction than with the use of AM alone.