Deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty in 10 horses.

The research article discusses a surgical procedure called deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty (DLEK) used to treat deep corneal stromal abscesses (DSA) in horses, and evaluates its effectiveness. The authors highlight the advantages of DLEK, which include less scarring, a quicker recovery time, and improved visual and cosmetic outcomes.

Methodology and Procedure

The study applies a retrospective approach to discuss the reasons for using this surgical technique and assess its outcomes in ten different horses. Each participating horse presented a distinct DSA located within their posterior stroma.

• Surgeons initiated the procedure by carving out a partial-thickness semicircular corneal incision at the limbus.
• Next, doctors performed an anterior stromal lamellar dissection over the abscessed area.
• Following the surgical removal of the DSA, the void was filled with a larger-diameter split-thickness donor button.
• The anterior stroma was carefully returned to its initial place and the primary corneal incision was mended.

Results and Observations

Throughout their recovery period, all horses that had undergone DLEK healed as expected. Importantly, the researchers reported a subjective decrease in postoperative scarring and complications compared to previously documented surgical treatments for DSA.

Conclusions and Implications

The research team concluded that DLEK acts as an effective surgical remedy for DSA in horses. Most of the cases resulted in a visually and cosmetically satisfactory globe. Compared to alternative surgical procedures for the same condition, DLEK displayed several advantages:

• The incision was typically made at the periphery, thereby causing less disruption to the animal.
• The procedure shortened anesthesia times which can reduce the chances of adverse reactions to anesthesia.
• There was minimal scarring detected, enhancing the cosmetic result and reducing the possibility of vision interference.
• Healing period post-surgery was shorter, sparking faster recovery for the horses.