[Experimental research of small-incision Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty].

Objective: To investigate the surgical procedure, clinical efficacy, complications, density of endothelial cells and histological changes after Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) surgery.

Methods: It was a experimental study. Twenty four New Zealand rabbits were divided into 3 groups, 8 rabbits per group. Donor grafts were dissected from 16 New Zealand rabbit eyes. Group A was experimental group, a 5 mm limbal tunnel incision was made. Descemet's membrane was striped off at 10 mm diameter, then the same diameter donor cornea (including Descemet's membrane and endothelium with a little of posterior stroma) was inserted into the recipient's anterior chamber. Air was injected into the anterior chamber to press the graft up against the recipient cornea. Group B was the control group, only striped the Descemet's membrane at the recipient cornea. Group C was the experiment control group, the procedure was similar to the group A, but the donor graft was without endothelial cells.

Results: All corneas of group A were transparent, and the mean density of the endothelial cells was (2195 +/- 77)/mm2 (t = 12.455, P < 0.001). Endothelial grafts attached to the recipients well and no scar formation between them under histological observation. The corneas were severe edema in groups B and C one month after surgery.

Conclusions: DSEK is a safe surgery, can be recovered rapidly with little damages, and without interface scar formation after surgery. DSEK may be the first choice for the treatment of bullous keratopathy.