Effect of cauterization on the subconjunctival fibrovascular reaction in rabbit eyes.

ABSTRACTObjective: The purpose of our study is to investigate the effect of episcleral cauterization during conjunctival autograft surgery on subconjunctival fibrovascular reaction in rabbit eyes. Methods: Twenty-four healthy male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into Control Group (n = 12) and Cautery Group (n = 12). In the Control Group, a 4 × 4 mm free conjunctival graft was elevated, the underlying Tenon’s capsule was excised, and the free graft was sutured back to its original place with 10-0 nylon sutures. In the Cautery Group, in addition to the same surgical steps, the episclera was cauterized with six gentle touches before the conjunctival graft was sutured back to its original place. The scleroconjunctival block of the operated area was excised at the first month. The sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosine and Masson trichrome and were evaluated using light microscopy. Results: Subconjunctival collagen fibers were increased, and the fibroblast density increased more significantl...