Surgery for Symblepharon Developed Due to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: Modified Ring Procedure Performed Through Amniotic Membrane Transplantation and a 6 French Aspiration Catheter

TL;DR

A modified surgical technique using amniotic membrane and a catheter successfully treated symblepharon caused by Stevens-Johnson syndrome in a patient's eye.

Contribution

A novel modified ring procedure combining amniotic membrane transplantation and a 6 French aspiration catheter is proposed for treating symblepharon.

Findings

The modified ring procedure with amniotic membrane transplantation and a catheter effectively treated symblepharon.

Postoperative results showed no significant complications and a marked reduction in patient complaints.

Symblepharon did not recur one month after treatment.

Abstract

This case presentation aims to present the use of amniotic membrane transplantation and the modified ring procedure performed through a 6 French aspiration catheter in the surgical treatment of a patient who developed symblepharon following SJS.

The clinical file and histopathology slides of this patient who underwent surgery due to semblaferon developed after Steven-Johnson syndrome in the left eye were examined.

Results: A modified ring procedure performed with AMT and a French aspiration catheter was used in the surgical treatment of a patient with semblaferon who developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome in the left eye. Postoperatively, no significant sequelae were observed, and the patient showed a marked reduction in complaints. One month after treatment, the sembraferon ring was removed, and it was observed that the sembraferon did not recur.

Discussion: SJS and TEN are rare but severe mucocutaneous reactions, most commonly triggered by medications. In the acute phase, the focus on managing systemic symptoms often leads to the neglect of ophthalmic complications, which may result in permanent ocular sequelae in the later stages. The findings underscore the critical importance of early diagnosis and treatment in preserving the ocular surface and preventing scar formation. However, when advanced complications such as symblepharon occur, surgical and supportive interventions—such as mucosal grafts, scleral lenses, amniotic membrane transplantation, and the use of symblepharon rings—may become necessary.

This case report demonstrates the effectiveness of the modified ring procedure using a 6 French aspiration tube and AMT in the surgical treatment of patients who developed symblepharon following SJS/TEN.

The surgical technique was modeled after Kara’s technique. All stages of the surgery were planned and performed by Dr. Ayça Küpeli Çınar.

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