[Fibrin adhesion and postoperative anti-fibrinolytic care of conjunctival wounds].

The closure of conjunctival wounds by means of the fibrin adhesive technique has been reported by several authors; however, the clinical results were only partially satisfactory. Premature clot lysis resulted in disturbances of wound healing. These observations were corroborated by our the present authors' findings. Investigations of the proteolytic and fibrinolytic activity of aqueous humor and the lacrimal fluid revealed no activity in the aqueous humor, but significant activity in the lacrimal fluid. These findings indicated that proteolytic activity is responsible for the rapid dissolution of the fibrin clot after contact with tears. Stimulated by these findings, the present authors developed a topically applicable antifibrinolytic postoperative treatment based on eye drops containing Aprotinin (Trasylol). This technique has been applied in 3 patients so far and has resulted in stabilization of the fibrin clot until the wound has healed sufficiently. This cure is recommended for closure of conjunctival fistulas following glaucoma surgery, as well as for conjunctival wounds and partially dehiscent corneoscleral sections. It is noted that suturing of the latter is often complicated by scars or atrophy of the tissue.