Clinical efficacy of conjunctival flap surgery in the treatment of refractory fungal keratitis

The aim of the present study was to investigate the use and effectiveness of a selective, partial, pedunculated (tongue-shaped) conjunctival flap (CF) for the treatment of refractory fungal keratitis (FK) with or without perforation. A total of 31 cases of corneal diseases treated by CF surgery between April 2014 and October 2015 were evaluated. Among the 31 cases, 16 cases (male:female, 11:5) with FK were selected. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate factors associated with complications of CF surgery. A higher prevalence of FK was identified among male farmers compared with female farmers, in which plant trauma was the most prevalent cause of the disease. Only 4 patients had experienced corneal perforation prior to CF surgery. Patients aged 61–80 years had a higher prevalence of FK (50%) compared with other age groups; however, there was no statistically significant correlation between the prevalence of FK and sex or age. It was also demonstrated that age, sex, combined surgery and surgery duration were not significantly associated with post-surgical complications. All CF surgeries were performed following corneal ulcer scraping; however, 4 patients (12.5%) required additional surgery. The visual acuity of participants post-surgery decreased in 4 cases and remained unchanged in 12 cases. A total of 3 study patients experienced post-surgical complications of corneal perforation (1 patient) and purulent exudate spreading (2 patients). The post-surgical outcome was good for all study participants as the surgeries were able to control infection and preserve the eyeball, with the potential of future corneal transplant. These results suggest that CF surgery may be a useful alternative treatment for refractory FK in countries such as China where there is lack of cornea donors.