Hydrodissection to create conjunctival flaps in dogs with corneal ulcers

Research (Published online: 20-12-2023)

10. Hydrodissection to create conjunctival flaps in dogs with corneal ulcers

Lygia Silva Galeno, Alice Regina Silva Lopes, José Ribamar da Silva Júnior, Ana Lúcia Abreu-Silva, and Tiago Barbalho Lima

Veterinary World, 16(12): 2457-2463

Lygia Silva Galeno: Graduated Program of Animal Science, State University of Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil.

Alice Regina Silva Lopes: Veterinary Teaching Hospital, State University of Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil.

José Ribamar da Silva Júnior: Departament of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil.

Ana Lúcia Abreu-Silva: Graduated Program of Animal Science, State University of Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil; Departament of Pathology, State University of Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil.

Tiago Barbalho Lima: Graduated Program of Animal Science, State University of Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil; Departament of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil.

Background and Aim: Hydrodissection is a liquid injection technique that is rarely used in animal ophthalmic procedures. The use of this technique in the creation of conjunctival flaps for the treatment of corneal ulcers in dogs can improve the outcome, task, and comfort for patients. This study aimed to evaluate the use of hydrodissection in the creation of conjunctival flaps in dogs with corneal ulcers.

Materials and Methods: This study focused on a surgical procedure for creating conjunctival flaps in the eyes of 17 dogs with deep corneal ulcers. We divided the patients into two groups: Hydrodissection was performed in the first group (G1) and conventional divulsion without hydrodissection in the second group (G2). In G1, the conjunctival flap was created by subconjunctival injection of 1 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride, followed by flap construction. The flap was constructed through conventional divulsion using iris scissors in the G2. The operative time, degree of bleeding, and ease of conjunctival divulsion were evaluated during the procedure. Blepharospasm, hyperemia, edema, and scarring of the conjunctiva were evaluated during the post-operative period. Post-operative complications, notably suture dehiscence, were recorded in each group.

Results: Hydrodissection is an easy-to-perform maneuver that optimizes the construction of conjunctival flaps. There were no statistical differences in the parameters used to evaluate the trans- and post-operative period between the groups. The volume of sodium chloride administered in the conjunctiva ranged from 0.5 mL to 1 mL in G1. Dehiscence of the flap sutures was observed in four patients (two in G1 and two in G2), with no significant difference between the groups.

Conclusion: Hydrodissection facilitates the construction of conjunctival flaps in dogs with corneal ulcers, affording greater comfort to patients and proving to be an excellent option for ophthalmologists.