Reconstruction of conjunctiva with amniotic membrane after excision of large conjunctival melanoma: A long-term study

PURPOSE. To evaluate, on a long- term basis, the role of amniotic membrane in the reconstruction of large conjunctival defects after excision of large conjunctival melanoma. METHODS. Four consecutive patients with diffuse conjunctival melanoma involving both bulbar and palpebral conjunctiva were studied. Conjunctival melanoma was completely excised (with wide clinically disease-free margins) and amniotic membrane immediately sutured to the surrounding conjunctiva and sciera to cover the conjunctival defect. Minimum follow-up was 48 months. RESULTS. Successful conjunctival surface reconstruction and physiologic fornical depth were achieved in all patients within 6 weeks. No recurrence of primary melanoma was observed during long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS. Amniotic membrane transplantation is an effective alternative in ocular surface repairing surgery after removal of large conjunctival tumors.