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

Objective: 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 sclera 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.