Gelatin as an Absorbable Implant in Scleral Buckling Procedures

Authors:
  • SDSalvatore Daniele
    Salvatore Daniele
  • HJHarold N. Jacklin
    Harold N. Jacklin
  • CSCharles L. Schepens
    Charles L. Schepens
  • HFH. MacKenzie Freeman
    H. MacKenzie Freeman
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Abstract
The clinical appearance, absorption process, and histopathologic reaction of different types of gelatin (Ophthalmic Gelfilms) used as implants in scleral buckling procedures in the eyes of 19 rabbits and three cats were investigated. Gelatin strips 0.5 mm thick produced a smooth high buckle which disappeared in three months. No ocular complications could be attributed to the implant. In the rabbit complete absorption of the gelatin was dependent on the heating time during processing of the material and on implant thickness. With the standard 18-hour processing the 0.5 mm-thick implants were absorbed within five months. Absorption time was somewhat longer with samples processed for 54 hours. In the cat, tissue reaction was less and absorption of gelatin was slower than in the rabbit.