Garralda A, Epelde A, Iturralde O, Compains E, Maison C, Altarriba M, Goldaracena M B, Maraví-Poma E
Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Virgen del Camino, 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
An Sist Sanit Navar. 2006;29 Suppl 2:163-73.
The keratoplasty, or cornea transplant, is one of the oldest surgical techniques in opthalmology, whose indication are: 1) tectonic, in order to preserve corneal anatomy and integrity; 2) clinical, in order to eliminate the inflamed corneal tissue in cases refractory to medical treatment; 3) optical, in order to improve visual acuity; and 4) cosmetic, in order to improve the appearance of the eye. Improvements in technique and instruments, as well as in post-operative treatment and the means of preserving donated tissue, have improved survival of the grafts. The Pamplona Model of transplant coordination of the Virgen del Camino Hospital is considered to be original and unique in Spain. The logistics of this program include the protocol for detection and extraction of corneas as well as for keratoplasties.
