Instrumental examinations in modified surgery for symblepharon with the experimental use of Sulphacrylate tissue adhesive

Surgical treatment of symblepharon aimed at eliminating conjunctival tissue deficit requires tissue grafting. To preserve as much original tissue as possible and considering the regenerative capabilities of the conjunctiva, using smaller flaps fixed with a tissue adhesive for partial repair of the defect is deemed feasible. To evaluate the conjunctiva post-surgery, state-of-the-art instruments may be used, such as ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). AIM: To study the efficacy of surgical treatment of symblepharon consisting in defect closure sealed with a sulphacrylate tissue adhesive and to analyze the adhesive resorption time and defect epithelialization rate using instrumental examination methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our experimental study included 15 chinchilla rabbits (30 eyes). Sulphacrylate tissue adhesive was used for flap fixation. Biomicroscopy, photographing, ultrasound biomicroscopy, and optical coherence tomography were used for follow-up examinations. RESULTS: No pronounced inflammation was seen with autologous tissue transplant and Sulphacrylate tissue adhesive. On Day 21 post-surgery, tissue swelling reduced significantly. The adhesive seal was gradually resorbed in the eye tissues, and the exposed scleral area was covered with conjunctiva by Day 21 post-surgery. CONCLUSION: Fixing smaller flaps to the defect bed with the sulphacrylate tissue adhesive enables tight and rapid fixation of free conjunctival flaps. The use of this modified technique for surgical treatment of symblepharon may prove successful.