Loosening of single versus double running sutures in penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus.

PURPOSE: Purpose of the study was to evaluate single versus double running sutures in penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus with respect to suture loosening.

METHODS

Eighty-eight patients were consecutively operated for keratoconus by the same surgeon with the same surgical technique. For the first 45 patients, a single running 10-0 nylon suture was used. For the remaining 43 patients, double running 10-0 nylon sutures were taken.

RESULTS

Suture loosening was observed significantly (P<0.001; Chi-Square test) more often in the patients with a single running suture (12/45=27%) than in the patients with double running sutures (0/43=0%).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that double running sutures in comparison to a single running suture may be helpful in preventing suture loosening in penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus.