[Treatment of xerophthalmia by transplantation of autologous vascularized submandibular gland].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility of treatment of xerophthalmia by transplantation of autologous vascularized submandibular gland (SMG).

METHODS

The SMGs of 19 patients with severe keratoconjunctivitis were transferred to their temporal region by microsurgery. The arteries and veins of the SMGs were anastomosed to the super-temporal arteries and veins, the SMG ducts were implanted into the conjunctival fornix of the eye. The saliva secreted by the SMG was used as the substitute of tear.

RESULTS

The transplantation succeeded in 14 patients and failed in 4. Follow up lastred for 3 months to 2 years. The symptom of corneal xerosis disappeared, the symptoms of photophobia and anemophobia were alleviated, and artificial tear substitutes were not used any more. Epiphora appeared in 4 cases and disappeared after partial resection of the transplanted gland. Atresia of orifice occurred in one case and was cured by reconstruction of the duct.

CONCLUSION

Transplantation of autologous vascularized SMG is effective in treating severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca.