The role of AS-OCT in the diagnoses and treatment of retained Descemet’s membrane–endothelial layer complex after penetrating re-keratoplasty. A case report and review of the literature

To report the successful management of a retained Descemet’s membrane–endothelial layer complex (DM-ELC) after penetrating re-keratoplasty in a patient with history of keratoconus and trabeculectomy. Femto-laser was used to cut both the host and the donor tissues. On postoperative day 1, a weak corneal suture and an endothelial detachment were detected. Rebubbling and substitution of the weak suture were performed. The persistence of the membrane the day after with a clear lenticule led to the diagnosis of retained DM-ELC. Intraoperative OCT, trypan blue staining, and shifting bubble technique were used for the surgical removal of the supernumerary membrane.