Sutureless Closure of the Conjunctiva with a Commercial Fibrin Sealant in Extraocular Muscle Surgery for Strabismus

Abstract

Purpose Suturing is a time-consuming process and patients may suffer from sutures because of discomfort and tearing. This prospective study was done to determine the efficacy of an available commercial fibrin sealant for conjunctival wound closure following extraocular muscle surgery for strabismus. Methods Fibrin sealant (Beriplast®) was used in 48 conjunctival wounds of 25 patients with strabismus during the period February 2004 to May 2005. There were 12 males and 13 females, whose mean age was 9.3 years. Results No allergic reactions, chemosis or infections were seen, but suturing was necessary a day after surgery in 3 wounds of 2 cases (3/48 eyes, 6%). All conjunctival wounds were healed at the end of the second week. Conclusion The use of Beriplast® for conjunctival wound closure is an effective method that is easy to apply and should be considered a solution in strabismus surgical practice.

KEYWORDS:

• Extraocular muscle surgery
• strabismus surgery
• commercial fibrin sealant
• conjunctival wound closure
• Beriplast