Autologous cultivated conjunctival transplantation for recurrent viral papillomata

PURPOSE: To describe the use of an autologous serum-free derived cultivated conjunctival epithelial equivalent in the treatment of extensive recurrent viral papillomata. DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: A 10-year-old child with extensive recurrent viral papillomata involving the superior and inferior tarsal, forniceal, and bulbar conjunctiva underwent surgical excision of all diseased areas and double freeze-thaw cryotherapy. Autologous serum-free cultivated conjunctival equivalents were used to reconstruct the ocular surface and conjunctival fornices. RESULTS: Almost complete epithelialization was achieved within 5 days postoperatively. A good cosmetic and functional result was obtained, and no recurrences or cicatricial complications developed during 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Transplantation of autologous cultivated conjunctiva was effectively used in the reconstruction of the ocular surface after extensive excision of recurrent viral papillomata. This modality of treatment may be useful in the treatment of ocular surface disorders in which extensive conjunctival and fornix reconstruction is required.