CORNEAL GRAFTING OF DONOR TISSUE PRESERVED FOR LONGER THAN 4 WEEKS INORGAN-CULTURE MEDIUM

In vitro viability of the endothelium of corneas stored in organ-cultu re medium is longer than in other storage techniques. This article rep orts on the clinical results of 20 penetrating keratoplasties performe d using corneas stored for >4 weeks in organ culture. Seventeen of the procedures were elective and three were emergencies. Mean preservatio n time was 35.6 +/- 7 days (mean +/- SD) and mean follow-up was 16.2 m onths. During preservation, an endothelial cell loss of 10% was noted. Seventeen grafts remained transparent, and three failed between 3 and 24 months postoperatively. Mean endothelial cell density was 2,153 +/ - 372/mm(2) at 4 months and 1,854 +/- 390/mm(2) at 12 months. Central pachymetry was 548 +/- 53 mu m at 4 months and 528 +/- 57 mu m at 12 m onths after surgery. Corneas stored for up to 48 days in organ culture can be used in elective as well as in emergency procedures.