Non-Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (nDSAEK) for Late Endothelial Failure After Mushroom Keratoplasty: A Retrospective Analysis of Visual and Anatomical Outcomes

Background: Mushroom penetrating keratoplasty (MPK) is an alternative to traditional penetrating keratoplasty (PK) that offers improved graft survival and reduced immunological rejection. However, MPK grafts may still experience endothelial failure over time. This study evaluates the outcomes of non-Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (nDSAEK) as a surgical approach for endothelial decompensation following MPK. Methods: A monocentric, retrospective study was conducted at the Ophthalmology Department of Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, including patients who underwent nDSAEK for endothelial failure after MPK between 2022 and 2024. Pre- and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central corneal thickness (CCT), and endothelial cell density (ECD) were assessed. Results: Eighteen eyes from 18 patients (mean age: 39.94 years) were included. Primary MPK indications were post-keratitis leucoma (77.7%), traumatic scarring (16.7%), and keratoconus (5.6%). At one year, mean BCVA improved significantly from 1.40 ± 0.42 logMAR to 0.46 ± 0.19 logMAR (p < 0.05), and mean CCT decreased from 721 ± 70.12 µm to 616 ± 52.80 µm (p < 0.05). The mean postoperative ECD was 1748 ± 100 cells/mm2, with lower eye values requiring re-bubbling. No immunological rejection or graft failures were reported. Conclusions: nDSAEK is a promising treatment for MPK endothelial failure, demonstrating good visual and anatomical outcomes.