Real-Time Imaging of Incision-Related Descemet Membrane Detachment During Cataract Surgery.

Importance: Incision-related Descemet membrane detachment (DMD) is a common complication of cataract surgery. Most postoperative severe DMD that leads to corneal decompensation originates from intraoperative incision-related DMD. It is important to determine the incidence, extent, and associated risk factors of intraoperative DMD at each step of surgery to help in formulating precise and effective prevention strategies. Objectives: To investigate the intraoperative development of incision-site DMD associated with a 2.2-mm clear corneal incision during cataract surgery and to analyze its associated factors. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this case series, consecutive, prospectively enrolled 133 patients with cataract 50 to 90 years of age (133 eyes) undergoing coaxial 2.2-mm clear corneal microincision phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation between January 1 and March 31, 2019, at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China, were studied. Exposures: Coaxial 2.2-mm clear corneal microincision phacoemulsification with IOL implantation. Main Outcomes and Measures: Real-time incidence and extent of intraoperative incision-related DMD at each step of surgery. Results: Among 133 patients with cataracts (mean [SD] age, 72.3 [8.1] years; 77 [57.9%] female), DMD was encountered in 125 eyes (94.0%), occurring at the following steps: capsulorrhexis (2 [1.6%]), hydrodissection (7 [5.6%]), phacoemulsification (69 [55.2%]), irrigation-aspiration (44 [35.2%]), and IOL implantation (3 [2.4%]). The extent of DMD increased during the operation (mean [SD] difference between final and initial relative DMD length, 22.8% [1.4%]; 95% CI, 20.0-25.6; P < .001). Associations for the extent of DMD found in multivariate stepwise analyses included time of ultrasonography (ß = 0.34; 95% CI, 0.17-0.50; P < .001), equivalent mean ultrasonic power (ß = 87.8; 95% CI, 19.1-156.4; P = .01), and the presence of DMD at the anterior and posterior wound margins (coefficient = 16.7; 95% CI, 6.4-26.9; P = .002). Conclusions and Relevance: The results of this case series suggest that friction of surgical instruments has the greatest association with incisional DMD. Decreasing ultrasonic energy and phacoemulsification time may reduce the severity of incisional DMD.

[Descemet's membrane detachment after phacoemulsification: Series of 9 cases]. / Décollement descemétique post-phakoémulsification : à propos de 9 cas.

PURPOSE: Descemet's membrane detachment (DMD) is a rare but potentially serious complication of cataract surgery. Although there are no consensual guidelines regarding the diagnosis or treatment of DMD, incorrect treatment may result in irreversible corneal changes with visual sequellae. The purpose of our study is to describe the diagnosis and treatment of DMD. METHODS: We report a series of 9 cases of DMD, their diagnosis, treatment and outcomes. We tested the HELP protocol retrospectively against our 9 real-life cases. RESULTS: Two cases recovered with simple medical management, 4 required air-bubble descemetopexy, and three required keratoplasty. Our study revealed that the main factor associated with poor outcomes is late diagnosis and management. CONCLUSION: Our series illustrates the importance of proactive management and timely diagnosis by performing anterior segment OCT in the setting of persistent postoperative corneal edema.

Total or subtotal full thickness recipient bed cut to repair donor-recipient curvature disparity in cases of DM rupture with manual DALK.

PURPOSE: To report how to manage a specific type of Descemet's membrane (DM) rupture during manual DALK with a concurrent donor-recipient disparity of curvature. METHODS: Case report of two patients that had DM rupture during manual DALK with a concurrent donor-recipient disparity of curvature; the recipient bed was flatter (post-infectious scar, case 1) and steeper (keratoglobus, case 2) than the donor. Preoperative diagnosis, clinical exam, and best spectacle correct visual acuity (BSCVA) have been reported. A subtotal full-thickness circular cut of the recipient bed was performed to resolve a persistent double AC in case 1 (recipient flatter than donor). A total full-thickness circular cut of the recipient bed, creating a graft made by a DALK allograft and a "DSEK autograft," was performed to avoid a refractory double AC in case 2 (recipient steeper than donor). Evaluated outcomes included postoperative BSCVA, endothelial cell count (ECC), graft clarity, rejection, and presence/absence of double AC. RESULTS: Surgery was successful in resolving/avoiding double AC. VA improved in both cases. No episodes of rejection were recorded. Graft remained clear at the last follow-up (6 years for case 1 and 4 years for case 2). CONCLUSION: The existence of a donor-recipient curvature disparity should be investigated as a possible underlying mechanism of refractory double AC. Total or subtotal full thickness recipient bed cut may be considered to repair donor-recipient curvature disparity in cases of DM rupture occurring during manual DALK. Repairing the DM rupture and avoiding a conversion to PK in high-risk transplant cases are crucial.

Incidence and Outcomes of Intraoperative Descemet Membrane Perforations During Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To report the incidence and outcomes of intraoperative Descemet membrane (DM) perforations during deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). DESIGN: Retrospective, consecutive, interventional case series. METHODS: A retrospective audit of all DALK cases performed from 2004 to 2015 in a tertiary center, with and without intraoperative DM perforations. We excluded cases with preexisting corneal perforations before surgery. RESULTS: There were a total of 540 eyes, of which 101 (18.7%) had intraoperative DM perforations. These included 79 eyes (78.2%) with microperforations and 15 eyes (14.9%) with macroperforation. The most common steps at which DM perforation occurred intraoperatively were during deep lamellar dissection (32 cases; 31.7%), air injection (27 cases; 26.7%), and suturing (21 cases; 20.8%). Management of the DM perforations included a combination of intracameral air tamponade (49 cases; 48.5%), stromal patching (10 cases; 9.9%), fibrin glue (8 cases; 7.9%), and suturing of the defect (1 case; 1.1%). There were 2 eyes (2/540; 0.37%) that were converted to penetrating keratoplasty (PK). There were no significant differences in the postoperative unaided or best-corrected visual acuity, or in the numbers of patients with postoperative graft failure, graft rejection, or subsequent surgery at postoperative years 1 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: DALK cases with DM perforations intraoperatively are often able to be managed without conversion to PK. Cases with DM perforations intraoperatively have equivalent visual acuity outcomes compared to those without DM perforations, and did not have any increased risk of graft failure, rejection, or subsequent surgery at postoperative years 1 and 3.

Intraoperative Descemet's membrane detachment in a case of phacomorphic glaucoma.

A 60-year-old female patient with phacomorphic glaucoma underwent initial medical management to control the intraocular pressure (IOP). After 48 hours, a stable IOP was achieved and subsequently the patient was planned for phacoemulsification followed by intraocular lens implantation. There was initial difficulty while reconstructing the corneal wounds; however, phacoemulsification and IOL implantation were uneventful but during viscoelastic removal, an inadvertent Descemet's membrane detachment involving the central cornea was noted. Postoperatively corneal oedema persisted till 1 week, following which there was a gradual improvement with topical antibiotics, steroids and hyperosmotic agents. At the end of 6 months, the best corrected visual acuity was 20/25 with a central corneal thickness of 580 µm without any need for additional endothelial replacement surgery.

Study on the classification of Descemet membrane detachment after cataract surgery with AS-OCT.

In this article, the significance of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) to aid the clinical diagnosis and treatment of Descemet membrane (DM) detachment after phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation was retrospectively analyzed using 26 patients (26 eyes). The location and scope of DM detachment, its causative factors and the percentage of each detachment type are considered for clinical treatments. Based on the location and scope, the detachment can be divided into three types: (1) simple, (2) symmetrical and (3) complete DM detachment. Simple detachment, confined to the area of surgical incision (detachment range <1/4 corneal area), occurred in 69.20 % of cases (18/26), in which the DM detachment in the anterior lip accounted for 42.30% (11/26) and in the posterior lip accounted for 26.90% (7/26). Symmetrical DM detachment, referring to detachment (1/4 cornea area < detached area <1/2 corneal area) that appeared symmetrically on the surgical incision and the opposite site, accounted for 19.20% (5/26). Complete DM detachment (>1/2 of the corneal area), accounted for 11.50% (3/26). Interestingly, our findings suggest that the DM detachment after phacoemulsification is closely related to the location (simple and symmetrical DM detachment) and the skillfulness (complete DM detachment) of the surgical incision. Therefore, appropriate classification of DM detachment by AS-OCT and wise selection of surgical location can better guide cataract surgery in the future.

Recognizing and Managing Bullous Descemet Detachment Secondary to Accidental Hydroseparation During Phacoemulsification/Cataract Surgery by Relaxing Descemetotomy.

PURPOSE: To report a new technique called relaxing Descemetotomy for treatment of bullous Descemet detachment (BDD) secondary to accidental hydroseparation of Descemet membrane (DM) during stromal hydration in cataract surgery. METHODS: A clear corneal keratome entry was created close to the limbus extending inward to create a relaxing cut (ab externo relaxing Descemetotomy) on taut DM, thus creating an egress route for supra-Descemetic fluid (SDF). This was followed by pneumodescemetopexy to drain SDF internally. RESULTS: Three patients with a history of unsuccessful pneumodescemetopexy and with planar or mildly convex separation of DM without break on anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT) underwent this procedure. All had successful reapposition of DM clinically and on ASOCT. All showed resolution of stromal edema and improved uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Rarely stromal hydration performed with an irrigating cannula positioned too close to the posterior stroma can result in hydroseparation of DM creating BDD, seen intraoperatively as a fluid wave propagating across the posterior aspect of the cornea. Large folds, free mobility, and DM tear classically seen with rhegmatogenous Descemet detachment are not seen clinically or on ASOCT in BDD. Pneumodescemetopexy alone cannot resolve BDD because without a DM tear, SDF cannot evacuate. Combining relaxing Descemetotomy with pneumodescemetopexy allows SDF to drain internally and Descemet detachment to resolve. This technique has numerous advantages over classical venting incisions in terms of ease, preferable limbal location, larger incision size, absence of complications such as visual axis scars, irregular astigmatism, epithelial ingrowth, infectious keratitis, etc.

Bilateral descemet membrane detachment in femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery / Descolamento de descemet bilateral em cirurgia de catarata com laser de femtosegundo

Abstract We report an unusual case of a 65-year old patient that developed localized bilateral Descemet membrane detachment during non-simultaneous femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS). The detachment occurred when the laser was performing the secondary incision. In the operating room, the isolate-and-release technique was used to effectively manage this complication. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of bilateral Descemet membrane detachment during FLACS.

Resumo Relatamos um caso de uma paciente de 65 anos de idade que evoluiu com descolamento de Descemet localizado bilateral durante cirurgias de catarata não simultâneas com laser de femtosegundo. O descolamento ocorreu durante a realização da paracentese pelo laser. Na sala cirúrgica, foi utilizada a técnica de "isolar e liberar" para conduzir eficazmente esta complicação. De acordo com o nosso conhecimento, esse é o primeiro relato de caso de descolamento bilateral da membrana de Descemet durante cirurgia de catarata com laser de femtosegundo.

Glaucoma with Descemet's membrane detachment in five horses.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical and histopathologic features of glaucoma associated with Descemet's membrane (DM) detachment in five horses without prior history of intraocular surgery. ANIMALS STUDIED: Three Appaloosa horses and two Thoroughbreds were included in this study. The affected horses ranged in age from 16 to 27 years and presented with severe diffuse corneal edema. PROCEDURE: Five eyes were enucleated due to intraocular hypertension and/or chronic corneal ulceration. The enucleated globes were evaluated by the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin (COPLOW). Each globe was routinely processed for histopathology and analyzed by light microscopy. A histologic diagnosis of glaucoma was reached by demonstrating a loss of optic nerve axonal tissue by measuring neurofilament-immunopositive axons with automated image analysis software. RESULTS: All five horses presented with unilateral severe diffuse corneal edema that had developed between 2 and 16 weeks prior to enucleation. Intraocular pressures for the affected eyes were between 9 and 87 mmHg prior to enucleation. Descemet's membrane detachment was identified histopathologically in all five globes (5/5, 100%). All five eyes had an avascular spindle cell proliferation filling the space between the displaced peripheral DM and the corneal stroma. Neurofilament immunostaining revealed axonal loss consistent with glaucoma. CONCLUSION: Equine glaucoma may be associated with Descemet's membrane detachment. This detachment and glaucoma is a possible differential diagnosis for severe equine corneal edema. In this case series, an eye with a DM detachment had a poor prognosis for retention.

[A new technique to facilitate donor preparation for DMEK surgery]. / Eine neue Technik zur Optimierung der Spenderpräparation bei der DMEK.

BACKGROUND: Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) is becoming more and more the method of choice to treat corneal endothelial diseases in specialized centers. The reasons that prevent this technique from becoming widespread are the delicate donor tissue preparation. By inverting the curvature of the cornea from convex to concave after mounting onto an artificial anterior chamber, we developed a combined manual delamination and hydrodissection technique, which allows a rapid and endothelium-preserving method of separating donor Descemet membranes from the underlying stroma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Experiments were perfomed with 60 donor corneas that were not suitable for transplantation. Donor age ranged between 42 and 94 years. Two experimental groups were formed: 1 inverse manual delamination (n = 16) and 2 combined manual delamination and hydrodissection (n = 44). All experiments were undertaken by an experienced surgeon who was, however, not experienced with these techniques. We examined the frequency of Descemet membrane rupture as well as the amount of induced endothelial damage (trypan blue staining with quantitative image analysis). RESULTS: Significant lesions of Descemet's membrane that would have led to a loss of the graft occurred in 25% of the manual delamination cases and in 4.5% using the combined technique. Endothelial damage induced by both techniques was low (6 and 5.2%, respectively). CONCLUSION: For DMEK donor preparation, a combination of manual delamination and hydrodissection was shown to be a safe and endothelium-protective technique to separate Descemet membranes from the underlying stroma. A very rapid learning curve for the combination technique is of specific additional interest for beginners in DMEK surgery.

Corneal endothelium self-healing mathematical model after inadvertent descemetorhexis.

UNLABELLED: An 85-year-old man presented with an unusual complication of cataract surgery. During injection of an ophthalmic viscosurgical device, Descemet membrane was accidentally dissected and removed during the capsulorhexis. Early postoperative visual acuity was counting fingers as a result of massive corneal edema. Using a mathematical model of the endothelium, we evaluated the corneal endothelial cell self-healing capacity from the periphery by calculating the theoretical endothelial cell density (ECD) after corneal endothelial cell redistribution. The calculated theoretical ECD was 1592 cells/mm(2). At 22 months, the corrected distance visual acuity improved to 20/25. The central ECD was 549 cells/mm(2), 516 cells/mm(2), 987 cells/mm(2), and 1344 cells/mm(2) at 5, 8, 16, and 22 months, respectively. The originality of this case is based on the mathematical simulation of the corneal endothelial cell's spontaneous self-healing process, deferring keratoplasty. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Incision-Site Descemet Membrane Detachment During and After Phacoemulsification: Risk Factors and Management.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the occurrence of localized incision-site Descemet membrane detachment (DMD) during and after phacoemulsification and to study its relationship with phacoemulsification parameters. METHODS: Forty-three, consecutive uneventful cases of phacoemulsification through 2.8-mm clear corneal incision were included in this prospective study. Preoperatively, the grade of cataract was assessed. The phacoemulsification parameters noted were phacoemulsification time, aspiration time, cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), ultrasound time, and total fluid volume. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) was performed on postoperative days 1 and 7 to study the course of the incision-site DMD. RESULTS: Fourteen of 43 cases (32%) showed localized incision-site DMD either intraoperatively or on AS-OCT on the first postoperative day. Of these, nine cases were detected intraoperatively, and six cases were detected on AS-OCT on the first postoperative day. All cases were of planar type and resolved spontaneously. A single case showed a concurrent DMD involving central cornea, which resolved without any surgical intervention. The occurrence of DMD was significantly higher in those with the total ultrasound time greater than 60 sec (P=0.038) (odds ratio: 7.639). The CDE was higher in cases with DMD; however, the result was not statistically significant (P=0.062). Torsional equivalent in level-3, total torsional time, equivalent torsional time, aspiration time, and the total fluid volume were comparable (P>0.05) between cases with and without incision-site DMD. CONCLUSION: Postphacoemulsification incision-site DMD may occur in up to one third of cases and is associated with increase in the total ultrasound time.

Novel Treatment for Hemorrhagic Descemet Detachment After Canaloplasty.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of hemorrhagic Descemet membrane detachment after canaloplasty and to discuss its management using alteplase, a tissue plasminogen activator (TPA). METHODS: Interventional case report. RESULTS: A 60-year-old woman with advanced pseudoexfoliation glaucoma developed severe hemorrhagic Descemet detachment after canaloplasty. Initial anterior chamber and pre-Descemet washout yielded no improvement. On the fifth postoperative day, the patient received a novel pre-Descemet treatment using a TPA with an anterior chamber air bubble. The intracorneal blood clot quickly dissolved intraoperatively with the Descemet membrane almost completely reattached on postoperative day 1. CONCLUSIONS: Hemorrhagic Descemet detachment is a rare and serious complication of canaloplasty. The use of pre-Descemet TPA dissolves the intracorneal blood clot and helps reattach Descemet membrane, allowing quick rehabilitation of patient's vision and preserving integrity of the cornea.

Descemetorhexis for Fuchs' dystrophy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe 2 cases of spontaneous corneal clearing after Descemetorhexis: 1 after iatrogenic trauma (Case 1) and 1 as an intentional surgical intervention for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (Case 2). METHODS: Retrospective case reports. RESULTS: Full corneal clarity was observed to restore at approximately 1 month after surgery in both cases. Central endothelial cell counts were recorded as 753 and 731 cells/mm(2) in cases 1 and 2, respectively, at last follow-up. Best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) at was 6/6 in both cases at 6 weeks and is retained at 9 months. CONCLUSIONS: Selective Descemetorhexis may offer visual rehabilitation without the need for a graft in select cases of Fuchs endothelial dystrophy. Descemetopexy in anticipation of corneal clearing is a viable initial strategy in cases of iatrogenic Descemet trauma with detachment.

Efficacy and safety of pre-Descemet's membrane sutures for the management of acute corneal hydrops in keratoconus.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of pre-Descemet's membrane (DM) sutures associated with intracameral air injection for management of acute corneal hydrops associated with keratoconus. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective interventional study of seven consecutive cases. Three to seven pre-DM sutures with 10-0 nylon were applied perpendicularly to the tear as close as possible to DM, under general anaesthesia. An air bubble was injected into the anterior chamber at the end of each procedure. RESULTS: Corneal oedema began to decrease from day 1 after surgery in all our patients. Best-corrected visual acuity progressed from 2.13 to 1.65 logMar (p=0.031) 1 month after surgery, and from 2.13 to 0.84 logMar (p=0.016) 2 months after surgery. The mean corneal thickness measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography decreased from 1472 µm (range 689-2770 µm) on day 0 to 909 µm (range 484-1640 µm) on day 1 (p=0.016), 716 µm (range 484-1380 µm) on day 15 (p=0.016) and 528 µm (range 404-618 µm) 1 month after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that intrastromal pre-DM sutures and intracameral air injection could promptly restore imperviousness of posterior stroma. This technique seems to be a safe and useful procedure to shorten acute corneal hydrops.

Novel spatula and dissector for safer deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty / Uso de espátula e dissector para otimização da ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda (DALK)

Objective: We describe a novel spatula and dissector to facilitate the big-bubble technique in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). Methods: A 29-year-old man who was diagnosed with bilateral keratoconus underwent deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). After 350μm partial thickness incision of the recipient cornea, the Bonfadini dissector was inserted at the deepest point in the peripheral incision and could be advanced to the center of the cornea safely because of its "semi-sharp" tip. After achieving the big-bubble (BB) separation of Descemet membrane (DM) from the overlying stroma, the anterior stromal disc was removed. Viscoelastic material was placed on the stromal bed to prevent uncontrolled collapse and perforation of DM during the paracentesis blade incision into the BB. We could detect the safe opening of the BB using the Bonfadini dissector by the leakage of air bubbles into the viscoelastic material. After injecting viscoelastic material into the BB space, we inserted the Bonfadini spatula into the bigbubble safely because of its curved profile and blunt edges. The groove along the length of the Bonfadini spatula enables safe and efficient incision or the residual stromal tissue using the pointed end of a sharp blade while protecting the underlying DM. After removal of posterior stroma, the donor button was sutured with 16 interrupted 10-0 nylon sutures. Results: This technique and the use of the Bonfadini spatula and dissector facilitate exposure of Descemet membrane. Conclusion: The smooth Bonfadini DALK spatula and dissector facilitate safe and efficient completion of DALK surgery. .

Objetivo: Descrevemos o uso de novos instrumentais cirúrgicos para facilitar a técnica de "big-bubble" na ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda (DALK). Métodos: Paciente masculino, 29 anos, foi diagnosticado com ceratocone bilateral e submetido à ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda (DALK). Após incisão da córnea receptora numa profundidade de 350μm de espessura parcial, o dissector Bonfadini foi inserido no ponto mais profundo da incisão periférica e pode avançar para o centro da córnea com segurança devido à sua ponta semiafiada. Depois de realizar a "big-bubble" (BB) e atingir a separação da Membrana de Descemet (MD) do estroma sobrejacente, o disco corneano de estroma anterior foi removido. Um viscoelástico foi colocado sobre o leito do estroma remanescente para impedir o colapso não-controlado e perfuração da MD durante a incisão na BB com lâmina de paracentese. Verificamos segurança no rompimento do estroma remanescente com o auxílio do dissector Bonfadini, para liberação da bolha de ar da BB através do viscoelástico. Depois de injetar o viscoelástico no espaço da BB, inserimos a espátula Bonfadini neste espaço, o que demonstrou-se seguro devido ao formato curvo e das bordas arredondadas do instrumental. A chanfradura ao longo do comprimento da espátula Bonfadini permite a incisão pela ponta de uma lâmina afiada, protegendo assim a MD subjacente. Após a remoção do estroma posterior, o botão doador foi suturado com 16 pontos interrompidos de fio nylon 10.0. Resultados: Esta técnica e o uso da espátula Bonfadini e dissector facilitam a exposição de membrana de Descemet. Conclusão: A superfície lisa da espátula Bonfadini e dissector, facilitam a realização segura e eficiente da ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda (DALK). .

O papel da membrana de Descemet na patogenia do edema corneano após cirurgia de segmento anterior / The role of Descemet's membrane in the pathogeny of corneal edema following anterior segment surgery

Objetivo: Encontrar fatores importantes na patogenia do edema corneano pós-cirúrgico, em casos de pós-facectomia e pósceratoplastia, por meio do estudo dos achados histopatológicos, a fim de ver o que pode ser feito para evitar sucessivas ceratoplastias. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo descritivo das alterações histopatológicas de casos de edema corneano pós-cirúrgicos. Os tecidos foram provenientes de ceratoplastia penetrante no período compreendido entre setembro de 2009 e agosto de 2013. Foi realizada revisão de prontuários em busca principalmente de informações sobre cirurgias prévias. Resultados: Foram incluídos 70 botões corneanos, sendo 34 de pacientes do sexo masculino e 36 do sexo feminino. A média das idades foi de 63,1±17,20 (média ± DP) anos. A maioria dos casos era de falência após transplante (71,43%). A rarefação celular foi a principal alteração encontrada no endotélio (58 casos), sendo também a alteração histopatológica mais frequente. Na membrana de Descemet, predominaram as alterações de integridade (53 casos), seja na forma de ruptura, de descolamento isolado ou de descolamento associado à ruptura. Foi frequente a associação de alterações endoteliais à ausência da integridade da membrana de Descemet. Conclusão: Descolamento da membrana de Descemet é um achado histopatológico frequente nos casos de edema corneano pós-cirúrgicos estudados, devendo ser considerado um fator importante na patogenia dos mesmos. Essa alteração deve ser procurada com atenção nos pós-operatórios, a fim de ser diagnosticada e tratada precocemente, vindo possivelmente a evitar muitas indicações de ceratoplastia. .

Objective: To find relevant factors in the pathogeny of postoperative corneal edema in post-cataract surgery and post-keratoplasty cases, through the study of histopathological findings in order to see what can be done to avoid successive keratoplasties. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study of histopathological findings in postoperative corneal edema cases. Tissues were obtained from penetrating keratoplasty in the period between september 2009 and august 2013. A medical record review was conducted primarily looking for information about previous surgeries. Results: Seventy corneal buttons were included, out of which 34 were from male patients and 36 were from female patients. The mean age was 63.1±17.20 (mean ± SD) years. Most of cases were corneal failure after keratoplasty (71.43%). The main change found in endothelium was cellular rarefaction (58 cases), and it was also the most common histopathological change. Changes in integrity predominated in Descemet's membrane (53 cases), whether in the form of rupture, isolated detachment or detachment associated with rupture. Endothelial changes associated with the absence in Descemet's membrane integrity were frequent. Conclusion: Descemet's membrane detachment is a frequent histopathological finding in postoperative corneal edema cases studied, thus it should be considered an important factor in the pathogeny of such cases. This change should be carefully researched in the postoperative period in order to be diagnosed and treated early, possibly avoiding many keratoplasty indications. .