The role of postoperative positioning after DSAEK in preventing graft dislocation.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the importance of immediate postoperative supine patient positioning after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK).

METHODS

Forty eyes from 40 patients who underwent DSAEK were randomized into two groups: 20 patients sat in a chair for 2 hr postoperatively (group 1), and 20 patients were placed in a supine position (group 2) for the same time interval. At the end of surgery, the anterior chamber was fully filled with air, aiming at an intraocular pressure (IOP) of approximately 20 mmHg. The dislocation rate in the two groups was registered. IOP was measured 2 hr postoperatively and compared with endothelial cell loss at 6 months.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in the dislocation rate between the two groups (p = 0.548): two patients (10%) in group 1 and one patient (5%) in group 2. Endothelial cell loss at 6 months was 29.6% and 29.7% in group 1 and 2, respectively. There was no correlation between the IOP 2 hr after surgery and endothelial cell loss at 6 months (p = 0.741).

CONCLUSION

Supine positioning does not seem to be of crucial importance in avoiding graft dislocation in DSAEK when the anterior chamber is fully filled with air for 2 hr postoperatively.