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Cell-ingrowth in a silicone plombe

Interactions between biomaterial and scleral tissue after 8 years in situ: A SEM and TEM investigation

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Abstract

A male patient (42 years) who had been treated for retinal detachment by the implantation of a silicone plombe into the sclera, returned to the clinic 8 years after implantation because of inflammation of the tissue and partial protrusion from the sclera. After removal of the plombe this was processed for TEM and SEM and examination of the plombe material after 8 years in situ could be carried out in order to get information about the cell-biomaterial interface. A large proportion of the silicone pores was filled with cellular material, including macrophages, giant cells and erythrocytes thus indicating a foreign body granuloma. The external surface of the pores showed a granular osmiophilic dense amorphous layer including extracellular debris. Engulfing of silicone particles by macrophages and the evidence of long-term tissue response suggest partial biodegradation of the silicone and certainly not complete inertness as was formerly claimed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory for Histology and Cell Biology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands

    D. Kalicharan, W. L. Jongebloed, G. Van Der Veen & L. I. Los

  2. Haren/Eye Clinic Academic Hospital Groningen, Julianalaan 14, The Netherlands

    J. G. F. Worst (Eye Physician and Surgeon)

Authors
  1. D. Kalicharan
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  2. W. L. Jongebloed
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  3. G. Van Der Veen
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  4. L. I. Los
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  5. J. G. F. Worst
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Kalicharan, D., Jongebloed, W.L., Van Der Veen, G. et al. Cell-ingrowth in a silicone plombe. Doc Ophthalmol 78, 307–315 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00165694

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00165694

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