Graft detachment most common complication after DSAEK, study finds

Am J Ophthalmol. 2009;148(6):837-843.

The most common complications of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty were graft detachment and idiopathic graft failure, with non-visually significant complications also occurring after the procedure, a study found.

"While DSAEK is a viable alternative to penetrating keratoplasty, serious complications may still occur postoperatively," the study authors said. "While certain rare complications like endophthalmitis, epithelial ingrowth and suture abscess may affect vision, more common complications such as decentered lenticles and partial peripheral detachments are less likely to affect visual outcome."

The retrospective case review looked at 126 consecutive eyes of 113 patients who underwent DSAEK.

After the procedure, graft detachment occurred in 22 eyes (17.5%), making it the most common complication. Of those eyes, 17 (77%) were repositioned. The next most common complication was idiopathic graft failure, occurring in 15 eyes. Additional visually significant complications included graft rejection in two eyes, epithelial ingrowth in two eyes, endophthalmitis in one eye, pupillary block in one eye and suture abscess in one eye.

The non-visually significant complications included decentered lenticles, interface fibers and partial peripheral detachments; they occurred in 24 eyes.