Polydioxanone Membrane for Guided Conjunctival Tissue Reconstruction: An Experimental Model in Rabbits.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and histopathological performance of polydioxanone (PDO) membranes in conjunctival reconstruction compared with amniotic membrane (AM), assessing epithelialization, inflammation, and tissue integration in a rabbit model. METHODS: Fifteen New Zealand white rabbits underwent conjunctival resection, with each eye receiving either a PDO or AM graft. Animals were euthanized at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Clinical and histopathological evaluation included epithelialization, inflammation, fibrosis, granulation tissue, and graft retention. RESULTS: Both membranes supported conjunctival healing, with no statistically significant differences in epithelialization, inflammation, fibrosis, presence of granulation tissue, or graft remnants. PDO provided structured handling, whereas AM was more delicate but surgically challenging. Histopathology revealed similar inflammatory and regenerative responses, confirming PDO biocompatibility. CONCLUSIONS: The PDO membrane is a viable synthetic alternative to AM for conjunctival reconstruction. Despite minor differences in handling and degradation, PDO exhibited comparable efficacy. Further human studies are needed to validate its application. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: These findings support the potential use of PDO membranes in ocular surface reconstruction, particularly in settings where AM availability is limited. The use of PDO could expand treatment options for conjunctival defects and enhance surgical outcomes in ophthalmology.