Objective: To investigate the feasibility of treatment of xerophthalmia by transplantation of autologous vascularized submandibular gland (SMG).
Methods: The SMGs of 19 patients with severe keratoconjunctivitis were transferred to their temporal region by microsurgery. The arteries and veins of the SMGs were anastomosed to the super-temporal arteries and veins, the SMG ducts were implanted into the conjunctival fornix of the eye. The saliva secreted by the SMG was used as the substitute of tear.
Results: The transplantation succeeded in 14 patients and failed in 4. Follow up lastred for 3 months to 2 years. The symptom of corneal xerosis disappeared, the symptoms of photophobia and anemophobia were alleviated, and artificial tear substitutes were not used any more. Epiphora appeared in 4 cases and disappeared after partial resection of the transplanted gland. Atresia of orifice occurred in one case and was cured by reconstruction of the duct.
Conclusion: Transplantation of autologous vascularized SMG is effective in treating severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca.