Fornix vs limbal-based trabeculectomy with mitomycin C

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of limbus- and fornix-based conjunctival flaps in patients undergoing trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C augmentation. METHODS: A retrospective review of the records of 71 consecutive eyes of 59 patients who underwent trabeculectomy with mitomycin C. All the patients had at least 6 months of follow-up. The first 35 eyes underwent surgery with a limbal-based flap, whereas all subsequent surgeries were by fornix-based procedures. RESULTS: No significant difference was detected between the groups with regard to patient demographics, preoperative visual field and intraocular pressure parameters, postoperative intraocular pressures at day 1, months 1, 3, and 6 postoperatively, need for intervention, need for supplementary glaucoma medication, and final visual acuity. There were four cases of overdrainage and hypotony in the limbal-based group, whereas none occurred in the fornix-based group. In all 83% percent of eyes in the limbal-based group achieved intraocular pressures off medication of less than 18 mmHg, whereas 94% of the fornix based group obtained such IOP control. One patient in the limbal-based group developed late postoperative endophthalmitis. CONCLUSION: Trabeculectomy with MMC augmentation is a safe and effective procedure for reduction of IOP and visual rehabilitation whether a fornix- or a limbal-based conjunctival flap is utilised. In this series, there was a greater risk of excessive drainage with subsequent hypotonous complications when surgery was undertaken by a limbal-based procedure.     

Surgical outcomes of traditional limbal-based versus fornix-based trabeculectomy with corneal valve.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of fornix-based trabeculectomy with corneal valve to traditional limbal-based trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC) in eyes with open-angle glaucoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective, nonrandomized, comparative study, 42 eyes that underwent limbal-based trabeculectomy with MMC were compared with 32 eyes with fornix-based trabeculectomy with corneal valve with MMC. Success was defined as final intraocular pressure (IOP) of at least 20% less than preoperative IOP and between 5 and 22 mm Hg. mean IOPs were 23.5 +/- 12.2 and 11.5 +/- 5.3 mm Hg, respectively, in the limbal-based group and 24.8 +/- 11.1 and 11.7 +/- 2.5 mm Hg, respectively, in the fornix-based group (P < .001 and P = .85, respectively). The fornix-based group had significantly less hypotony (3% vs. 21%, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Fornix-based corneal valve trabeculectomy with posterior placement of MMC sponges provides IOP control comparable to limbal-based traditional trabeculectomy, with decreased incidence of hypotony.     

Phacotrabeculectomy: limbus-based versus fornix-based conjunctival flaps in fellow eyes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of limbus-based and fornix-based conjunctival flaps in fellow eyes of the same patients undergoing combined trabeculectomy with phacoemulsification. DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized comparative (fellow eye) study. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-four patients and 88 fellow eyes. INTERVENTION: Limbus-based conjunctival flap with phacotrabeculectomy was performed in one eye, and a fornix-based conjunctival flap with phacotrabeculectomy was performed in the fellow eyes of the same patients. The patients were followed up for a minimum of 1 year postoperatively for each eye. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, intraocular pressure, number of antiglaucoma medications, interventions, and complications were studied. RESULTS: At last follow-up visit, visual acuity improved to 20/40 or better in 88.6% of the limbus-based group and 79.6% of the fornix-based group. Preoperatively, the mean intraocular pressure in the limbus-based group was 21.4 +/- 4.8 mmHg on a mean of 2.4 +/- 1.2 glaucoma medications; in the fornix-based group, it was 21.4 +/- 4.3 mmHg on a mean of 2.3 +/- 1.1 medications. Mean intraocular pressure decreased to 15.3 +/- 3.3 mmHg (P < 0.01) on a mean of 0.2 +/- 0.5 glaucoma medications in the limbus-based group (P < 0.01). In the fornix-based group, mean intraocular pressure at last follow-up visit decreased to 15.3 +/- 4.7 mmHg (P < 0.01) on a mean of 0.2 +/- 0.5 medications (P < 0.01). Postoperative interventions and complications were not statistically different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: With phacotrabeculectomy, limbus-based and fornix-based conjunctival flaps are equally effective in improving visual acuity and lowering intraocular pressure. This variation in conjunctival flap orientation was equally effective in fellow eyes of the same patients, with no difference in postoperative complications or outcomes.     

Filtering bleb revision. Techniques and outcome

BACKGROUND: The surgical management and outcome of bleb-related complications such as leaking blebs,overfiltration and blebitis are reported. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out of 35 patients who underwent surgical repair of the filtering bleb in our hospital between 1991 and 2000. RESULTS: Surgical techniques used were autologous blood injection, fibrin glue injection, conjunctival suturing, resuturing of the trabeculectomy flap, bleb excision, conjunctival advancement, lyodura and tenon patching. In the eyes with leaking blebs the mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 11.6+/-10.3 mmHg.After an average followup of 12 months the IOP was 11.9+/-3.3 mmHg. In the eyes with overfiltration the mean IOP was 2.4+/-1.5 mmHg and after an average follow-up of 18 months the mean IOP increased to 13.5+/-3.7 mmHg. In 77.1% the IOP was regulated between 8 and 21 mmHg without glaucoma medication. Mean visual acuity improved by 3.6+/-5.9 lines postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Surgical bleb revision has a high success rate with regard to maintaining a functioning filtering bleb and to preserving vision.     

Limbal- vs fornix-based conjunctival trabeculectomy flaps

We studied 20 patients with uncontrolled symmetric glaucoma who had undergone bilateral trabeculectomy after having received the same medical or laser treatment to both eyes. In each patient, the techniques and suture material used in the two eyes were identical, and the surgeon was the same. The only variable was the type of conjunctival flap used: one eye received a limbal-based flap and the other a fornix-based flap. These patients were followed up from three to 13 months (median, 8.5 months). There was no difference between the two groups in postoperative anterior chamber depth, intraocular pressure control, occurrence of hyphema, size and shape of the bleb, or the rate of complications. The fornix- and limbal-based conjunctival flaps in trabeculectomy were found to yield comparable results in terms of safety and short-term efficacy of pressure control.     

Trabeculectomy in black Africans in primary open angle glaucoma

PURPOSE: To assess simple trabeculectomy in black Africans with open angle glaucoma. METHODS: We studied retrospectively 80 eyes of 62 patients with primary open angle glaucoma operated by Cairn's trabeculectomy without adjunction of antimetabolites. Thirty seven eyes had a limbal-based conjunctival flap and the others 43 had a fornix-based conjunctival flap. Failures and success were assessed with the Kaplan-Meier's method. RESULTS: Patients were all seen at least 12 months after surgery. The mean follow up was 24 months. At mid-term survey we found complications to be frequent. Pathological blebs occurred in 22.5% (18 cases). The survival probability grew shorter with time. Only 44% of patients were reviewed at 36 months and 29% at 48 months. The success rate (IOP less than 21 mmHg of all glaucoma medications) varied according to the conjunctival flap. It was respectively at 12 months, 24 months and 36 months: 97%, 70 % and 54% with limbal-based flap, and 46%, 18% and 18% with fornix-base flap. The overall rate of tonometric failures was 33.75%. Failures were more often with fornix- based flap (85%). Generally they set in before one year of survey. This was so in 91% of absolute failures and in 87% of relative failures. The failures rate seems to increase with topical polytherapy given more than 12 months before operation. CONCLUSIONS: Trabeculectomy with limbal-based conjunctival flap is at mid-term follow up successful in black Africans. However the following up difficulties in Africa makes it a too delicate assessment objective for long-term results of trabeculectomy.     

Bleb reduction and bleb repair after trabeculectomy

OBJECTIVE: To describe methods and outcomes for repair of bleb-related complications of trabeculectomy surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective, consecutive, noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-one persons having bleb revision by two surgeons at the Wilmer Institute from 1994 to the present. INTERVENTION: One of two types of revision surgery was performed: bleb reduction to decrease symptoms from large blebs or bleb repair to improve hypotony, using conjunctival rotation flap or free conjunctival autograft. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), reported symptoms, complications, and number of glaucoma medications at the final visit. RESULTS: The mean time from trabeculectomy to bleb revision was 4.4 years. Bleb reduction was performed because of symptomatic, high blebs in 11 eyes of 11 persons. Bleb repair was performed to end bleb leakage in 13 eyes of 13 persons and to increase IOP in 8 eyes of 7 persons with hypotony. Median visual acuity improved from 20/50 before revision to 20/30 at most recent follow-up. Mean IOP increased after treatment from 7.7+/-4.9 to 12.4+/-4.0 mmHg (P < 0.001). Symptoms that caused the revision surgery were eliminated in all cases. None of these eyes has lost IOP control, none has required repeat trabeculectomy, and only 2 of the 32 (6%) require topical glaucoma medication. More than one revision procedure was required in 8 of 32 (25%) eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical bleb revisions for complications after trabeculectomy surgery are safe and effective. Bleb reduction for large, symptomatic blebs or bleb repair for leaking blebs and hypotony did not lead to loss of IOP control.     

结膜松解切口与前移修复晚期滤过泡渗漏

目的评价结膜松解切口与前移修复晚期滤过泡渗漏的效果。方法对19只眼小梁切除术后晚期滤过泡渗漏进行前瞻性连续病例研究。17例（19只眼）术后晚期出现滤过泡渗漏,且伴有浅前房及低眼压。结果17眼滤过泡修复术后2％荧光素Seidel试验检查滤过泡处无房水渗漏且滤过泡功能良好。修复术前平均眼压为（8．06±3．9）mmHg,术后平均眼压为（16．6±2．5）mmHg（1mmHg=0．133kPa）,（t=23．17,P〈0．001）。术后随访15～18月,17跟（89．5％）获得大体成功,14只眼（73．7％）为完全成功。2只眼（10．5％）失败。术后未出现严重的浅前房、低眼压。3只眼需要继续应用降眼压药物,2只眼因滤过泡处渗漏需再次手术。结论结膜松解切口与前移修复晚期滤过泡渗漏是安全有效的。     

Comparison of Fornix- and Limbus-Based Conjunctival Flaps in Mitomycin C Trabeculectomy with Laser Suture Lysis in Japanese Glaucoma Patients

Purpose

To analyze the results of mitomycin C (MMC) trabeculectomy and laser suture lysis using either fornix-based (FB) or limbus-based (LB) conjunctival flaps.

Methods

Eighty-two Japanese glaucoma patients were treated by MMC trabeculectomy, with 38 eyes receiving an FB conjunctival flap and 44 eyes receiving an LB conjunctival flap. Postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), the probability of success, and complications were compared between the FB and LB groups.

Results

The IOP of the FB group decreased from 21.6 ± 7.90?mmHg to 9.75 ± 3.23?mmHg at 12 months postoperation, and the IOP of the LB group decreased from 21.3 ± 6.77?mmHg to 9.30 ± 3.16?mmHg. The postoperative IOPs were similar in the two groups at all postoperative time points. A life-table analysis (Kaplan-Meier method) showed that the survival rate was similar in the two groups but tended to be lower in the early postoperative period in the FB group. Complications were similar also, with the exception of increased leakage in the FB group.

Conclusions

MMC trabeculectomy results were similar between FB and LB conjunctival flaps, in agreement with previous reports. However, increased care may be warranted when an FB flap is used in MMC trabeculectomy.?Jpn J Ophthalmol 2006;50:338–344 © Japanese Ophthalmological Society 2006     

Characteristics of filtering blebs after fornix-based trabeculectomy with a scleral tunnel

PURPOSE: To evaluate the characteristics of filtering blebs after fornix-based trabeculectomy with a scleral tunnel. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 119 eyes of 149 patients who had undergone fornix-based trabeculectomy with mitomycin C as their primary surgery between 2000 and 2002 and in whom we could evaluate the characteristics of filtering blebs after a follow-up period of 6 months or more, and whose intraocular pressure at the evaluation time was 18 mmHg or less. We evaluated the width, depth, height, border, avascular area, conjunctival thickness, and late-onset bleb leak of the filtering blebs. RESULTS: The mean period of evaluation was 528 +/- 243 days (mean +/- standard deviation) after surgery, and the mean intraocular pressure at that time was 12.0 +/- 3.0 mmHg. Among these patients, 108 eyes (72.5%) had completely diffuse blebs and 90 eyes (60.4%) had completely vascular blebs. There was no apparent late-onset bleb leak. CONCLUSION: Fornix-based trabeculectomy with a scleral tunnel appears to be an effective method of developing diffuse, vascular and safe blebs with a low risk of late-onset bleb leak.     

两种结膜瓣在复合式小梁切除术后对形成功能性滤过泡的影响

目的比较穹隆部为基底的球结膜瓣和角膜缘为基底的球结膜瓣在青光眼复合式小梁切除术后对形成功能性滤过泡的影响。方法将45例（55眼）原发性青光眼并接受复合小梁切除术者随机分成2组：A组：27眼以角膜缘为基底的球结膜瓣;B组：28眼以穹隆部为基底的球结膜瓣。术后观察2组患眼眼压、滤泡、前房深度。全部患者术后观察6个月。结果2种结膜瓣的复合式小梁切除术均有显著降眼压效果（P〈0．01）;功能性滤过泡的形成率差异也无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;术后早期眼球按摩促进滤泡形成中出现被动性滤泡渗漏B组多于A组。结论2种结膜瓣的复合小梁切除术治疗青光眼都有相同良好的效果。鉴于穹隆部为基底的球结膜瓣在眼球按摩中有较高被动性滤泡渗漏,因此角膜缘为基底球结膜瓣的复合小梁切除术更安全。     

A randomized prospective study comparing trabeculectomy with and without the use of a new removable suture

Introduction The aim of this prospective study is to verify, in terms of both early postoperative complications and intraocular pressure (IOP) outcomes, the performance of a scleral flap removable suture. Materials and Methods Sixty-six patients that underwent trabeculectomy were randomly divided into two groups: in the first group (group A, 33 eyes) a standard fornix-based trabeculectomy was performed by using a conjunctival chain suture. In the second group (group B, 33 eyes) the same technique was performed with the additional employment of a new removable suture to the scleral flap. The patients were followed-up for 12 months. Results After 1 year the mean IOP was 16.58 mmHg (±3.73 mmHg) in group A, and 16.12 mmHg (±4.21 mmHg) in group B; statistical analysis did not show significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.19). Early postoperative hypotony and shallowing of the anterior chamber were significantly more frequent after standard trabeculectomy than after trabeculectomy using the removable suture (P < 0.02). Conclusions The employment of a fornix-based conjunctival chain suture for the flap allows the use of the removable scleral flap suture, which has proved very effective in preventing insufficient flap resistance with aqueous overdrainage and hypotony, and which is also easy to apply and to remove. Compared with standard trabeculectomy, this device has proved to have similar IOP-lowering efficacy, together with a lower rate of early postoperative complications.     

Efficacy of autologous conjunctival flap on repairing the late-onset filtering bleb leakage

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of autologous conjunctival flap surgery for repairing the late-onset filtering bleb leakage after trabeculectomy. METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed 106 eyes from 106 patients with late-onset filtering bleb leakage after trabeculectomy who received autologous conjunctival flap surgery at the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre from 2005 to 2015. The basic information was recorded, and the interval time between trabeculectomy and autologous conjunctival flap surgery as well as related risk factors, intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior chamber depth (ACD) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were analysed. Moreover, 41 patients who completed the 1-year follow up were analysed to determine the IOP and BCVA changes and long-term success rates. RESULTS: The 50 male and 56 female subjects (average age 39.13±17.96y) included 47 (44.34%) and 33 (31.13%) cases of primary open angle and primary angle-closure glaucoma. The mean interval between trabeculectomy and repair surgery was 60.60±56.92 (3-264)mo. The mean mitomycin (MMC) concentration during trabeculectomy was 0.27±0.04 (0.12-0.4) mg/mL in the fornix-based conjunctival flap group (68 patients) and 0.28±0.04 (0.20-0.33) mg/mL in the limbal-based conjunctival flap group (11 patients). After bleb leakage, the patients'' vision remained stable while the IOP decreased from 10.25±4.76 (3-20.86) to 9.44±4.33 (2-21) mm Hg (P<0.01). In the 41 analysed patients, the IOP was controlled at 15.68±5.11 (7-40) mm Hg in the 1st year after autologous conjunctival flap surgery and recurrence was not observed, for a long-term success rate of 100%. CONCLUSION: Autologous conjunctival flap repairing surgery is an effective technique for sealing filtering bleb leakages and controlling IOP postoperatively.     

Clinical results of fornix-based trabeculectomy with a scleral tunnel

PURPOSE: To evaluate retrospectivery the efficacy and safety of fornix-based trabeculectomy with a scleral tunnel. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied the records of 204 eyes of 156 patients who underwent fornix-based trabeculectomy with mitomycin C as their primary surgery between 2000 and 2002 and had a follow-up period of 6 months or more. A 3.5 or 4 mm rectangular double scleral flap incision was made and a scleral tunnel was fashioned by removing the second flap to allow the aqueous to flow into the fornix side. RESULTS: The mean intraocular pressure was significantly decreased from 22.2 +/- 7.8 (mean +/- standard deviation) mmHg to 12.4 +/- 3.9 mmHg 2 years after surgery (p < 0.0001). When the target pressure was defined as 15 mmHg, the 2-year survival rate using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was 69.1 %. Early wound leakages occurred in 16 eyes (7.8%) and additional sutures were needed on 13 eyes. The visual acuity of 22 eyes (11.0%) decreased by at least 2 lines. CONCLUSION: Although there are some complications specific to trabeculectomy, fornix-based trabeculectomy with a scleral tunnel appears to be an effective method of decreasing intraocular pressure.     

Long-term follow-up of initial trabeculectomy with mitomycin C for primary open-angle glaucoma in Japanese patients

PURPOSE: To determine the long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) control and postoperative complications after initial trabeculectomy with use of mitomycin C (MMC) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of a consecutive series of 123 eyes (87 patients) with POAG who underwent initial trabeculectomy with MMC and had at least 4 years of follow-up. All patients underwent standard trabeculectomy with 0.04% MMC applied intraoperatively for 3 minutes. The long-term outcomes (IOP control and bleb leak, long-standing hypotony, bleb-related infections) were analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier life-table method on the basis of three definitions of successful IOP control (defined as IOP <18 mmHg (definition 1), IOP <16 mmHg (definition 2), and IOP decrease of by > or =30% and <21 mmHg (definition 3)). RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 6.8+/-1.4 (mean+/-SD) years. The cumulative survival rates were 67.0+/-4.6%, 44.5+/-5.4%, and 74.1+/-4.2%, respectively, based on definitions 1, 2, and 3, 8 years postoperatively by life-table analysis. At 8 years, bleb leak occurred in 7.9+/-2.6% of eyes, long-standing hypotony in 8.3+/-2.5%, and bleb-related infections in 5.9+/-2.4%. CONCLUSION: Long-term outcome after initial trabeculectomy with MMC in Japanese POAG patients is comparable with that reported in other populations and with that after trabeculectomy with 5-fluorouracil.     

Needling revision of failed filtering blebs after trabeculectomy: a retrospective study

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy and safety of needling revision of failed filtering blebs. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively 26 eyes that had undergone needling revision for a failed trabeculectomy. The needling revisions were performed either with adjunctive use of Mitomycin C, 5-Fluorouracil or without antimetabolites. The procedure was usually performed as a clinic procedure, using a 27-gauge needle. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 14.5 +/- 11.3 months (range 6.0-48.0 months). Intraocular pressure (IOP) decreased from 28.8 +/- 6.8 mmHg (range 19.0-40.0 mmHg) to 15.3 +/- 5.2 mmHg (range 7.0-35.0 mmHg). Twelve eyes (46.2%) achieved success, defined as IOP < or = 18 mmHg without medication; 11 eyes (42.3%) achieved qualified success, defined as IOP < or = 18 mmHg with antiglaucomatous medication, and three of 26 eyes (11.5%) were classified as failures. The success rate after the initial needling was 64% at 6 months and the same after 1 year and 2 years. The success rate after one or more needlings was 96% at 6 months and 77% at 1 year and 2 years. Complications developed in six of the 26 eyes (23.1%). These involved transient corneal epithelial defects in three eyes (11.5%), temporary conjunctival wound leak in two eyes (7.7%), and development of bullous keratopathy in one high risk eye (3.8%). CONCLUSION: Our results are comparable to the results of other studies. Needling revision appears to be a useful tool in the management of glaucoma.     

Prognostic outcome of leaking filtering blebs reconstruction with rotational conjunctival flaps

PURPOSE: Late bleb leaks may follow months to years after filtering surgery especially with the use of antimetabolites. Complications related to beb leaks may lead to a decrease in visual acuity through complicated hypotony or ocular infection. Our retrospective study reports the anatomical and functional results of bleb reconstruction involving the resection of the bleb associated with the covering of the trabeculectomy site with a rotational conjunctival flap. MATERIAL: and methods: Twelve eyes of eleven patients with filtering bleb leaks occurring 3 months to 5 years after successful trabeculectomy (58.3% with adjunct of antimetabolites) underwent bleb surgical reconstruction between november 1995 and June 1999 and were followed until March 2000. Surgical bleb reconstruction was indicated because of persistent or a recurring bleb leak despite conservative medical treatment and blood bleb injections in seven cases. Complications associated with bleb leaks were chronical hypotony (9 cases), athalamy (1 case), hypotony maculopathy (1 case), and endophtalmitis with athalamy (1 case). Three patients had normal IOP but a bleb leak responsible for epiphora. All eyes were treated surgically through bleb excision and conjunctival closure was performed by rotational conjunctival flap. RESULTS: Mean (+/- SD) preoperative IOP was 5.1+/-3.5mmHg (range: 2 to 14mmHg). Mean (+/- SD) postoperative IOP evaluated before any other operation for uncontrolled IOP was 12.7+/-3.1mmHg (range: 6 to 15mmHg). Mean follow-up was 26.7+/-16.9 months (range: 9 to 64 months). All the complications related to the bleb leak resolved after bleb reconstruction. Surgery definively stopped the leak in 10 cases (83.3%) and allowed IOP control without treatment in 50.0% of the cases. Chronic recurring bleb leaks without hypotony occurred in two eyes and required surgery with conjunctival graft which led to a refractory increase in IOP responsible for loss of vision in one case. CONCLUSION: Bleb resection associated with the covering of the trabeculectomy site with a rotational conjunctival flap is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of a late bleb leak and its complications. In most of the cases (83.3%), long-term IOP control can be expected without, medical treatment in 50% of the cases. Patients must be aware of the possibility of a recurring Seidel; however, the incidence of this complication remains low.     

小梁切除联合羊膜移植治疗难治性青光眼

目的:探讨小梁切除联合羊膜移植术治疗难治性青光眼的疗效。方法:对16例(17只眼)难治性青光眼行小梁切除联合羊膜移植术。术后随访 3～24个月,平均11.2个月。结果:术前平均眼压为(39.72±7.26)mmHg(1mmHg=0.133kPa);术后3个月眼压降至(14.62±3.72)mmHg,差异有显著性意义(t=11.73 P<0.001)。术后早期均形成弥散的滤过泡。术后3个月随访中,17只眼有16只眼有功能性滤过泡;术后6个月随访中16只眼有14只眼有功能性滤过泡。术后前房反应轻,无其它并发症。结论:小梁切除联合羊膜移植术是治疗难治性青光眼的一种安全、有效方法。眼科学报2003;19:89-91。     

The role of antimetabolites in filtration surgery for neovascular glaucoma: intermediate-term follow-up

PURPOSE: To compare the intermediate-term efficacy of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and Mitomycin C (MMC) as adjunctive antimetabolites in neovascular glaucoma (NVG) filtration surgery. METHODS: Forty consecutive eyes of 40 patients with NVG refractory to medical therapy were randomized to receive antimetabolite-augmented trabeculectomy. Eighteen eyes received postoperative 5-FU (5-FU group) and 22 eyes received intraoperative, low-dose (0.2 mg/ml) MMC for 2 mins (MMC group). The main outcome measure was intraocular pressure (IOP). Surgical success was defined as IOP < 21 mmHg with topical treatment (qualified success) or without topical treatment (complete success). Surgical failure was defined as IOP > or = 21 mmHg, despite postoperative topical treatment, and by postoperative blindness. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 35.8 +/- 22.6 months in the 5-FU group and 18.6 +/- 17.2 months in the MMC group. This difference was not significant. Mean IOP decreased from 40.4 +/- 10.3 mmHg to 14.7 +/- 3.4 mmHg (p < 0.0001) in the 5-FU group and from 42 +/- 11.3 mmHg to 22.9 +/- 13.3 mmHg (p = 0.0006) in the MMC group; however, the difference between the 5-FU and MMC groups was not significant at any point. The success rate in the 5-FU group was 55.5% (44.4% complete, 11.1% qualified), compared with 54.5% (9.1% complete, 45.4% qualified) in the MMC group. This difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of patients who achieved postoperative IOP < 21 mmHg was similar in both groups, although a larger proportion of patients treated with MMC-augmented trabeculectomy required topical treatment in comparison with the 5-FU group.     

Nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy: a 6-year retrospective study

PURPOSE: Nonpenetrating trabeculectomy, also called nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS), is a filtering surgery where the internal wall of Schlemm's canal is excised, allowing subconjunctival filtration without actually entering the anterior chamber. This, technique was developed to minimize the complications of trabeculectomy. The authors investigated its safety and efficacy in a retrospective noncomparative study. METHODS: A total of 258 eyes (179 patients, mean age 61.4 +/- 11.56 years) with uncontrolled open angle glaucoma with prior medical therapy were treated. NPDS with a biocompatible collagen device (157 eyes) sutured to deep scleral bed or with the use of a 5-fluorouracil sponge (90 eyes) were analyzed. The main outcome measure was postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) with an average follow-up of 54.4 +/- 17.07 months (range 1-85). Efficacy was determined 1 month, 3 months, and every 6 months after the procedure for 6 years. RESULTS: Mean preoperative IOP was 24.47 +/- 5.92 mmHg. Mean postoperative IOP was 14.44 +/- 5.31 mmHg (average lowering of the IOP was 38.94 +/- 23.81%) at 1 month, 15.16 +/- 4.57 mmHg (35.73 +/- 21.35%) at 3 months, 15.87 +/- 4.24 mmHg (32.45 +/- 20.52%) at 6 months, 16.32 +/- 4.53 mmHg (29.96 +/- 23.69%) at 12 months, 17.12 +/- 4.45 mmHg (26.51 +/- 23.93%) at 18 months, 16.77 +/- 4.44 mmHg (28.18 +/- 21.73%) at 24 months, 16.43 +/- 4.15 mmHg (28.89 +/- 23.69%) at 30 months, 16.34 +/- 4.12 mmHg (30.05 +/- 21.61%) at 36 months, 16.16 +/- 4.01 mmHg (30.06 +/- 22.55%) at 42 months, 15.71 +/- 3.74 mmHg (32.49 +/- 19.08%) at 48 months, 15.61 +/- 3.48 mmHg (31.26 +/- 21.01%) after 5 years, and 15.81 +/- 3.79 mmHg (33.73 +/- 20.9%) after 6 years. YAG goniopuncture was performed in 47.3% of cases with a mean follow-up of 12 +/- 13 months. These goniopunctures were effective in lowering IOP after a long-term follow-up (24 months). Additional 5-fluorouracil injections were used in 7% of cases. Visual field (Octopus or Humphrey mean defect and corrected loss variance or loss variance) was not modified (p < 0.01). Number of preoperative glaucoma medications was 2.01 +/- 0.58 and number of postoperative glaucoma medications was 0.85 +/- 0.92. Complications were peroperative microperforations in 27 eyes (10.5%), shallow anterior chamber in 2 eyes, hyphema in 2 eyes (0.8%), cataract in 5 eyes (2%), and dellen in 1 eye (0.4%). No cases of endophthalmitis or choroidal detachment were found. After surgery, 23 eyes (8.9%) required a new filtering surgical procedure, and diode laser cyclophotocoagulation was necessary in 2 eyes (0.8%). The probability success rate, defined as an IOP lower than 21 mmHg, was 66.46% (Kaplan Meier) at 60 months off all glaucoma medications and 80.32% with medical or new surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: NPDS appears to be an effective and safe filtering procedure for lowering IOP and could be an alternative to trabeculectomy in open angle glaucoma with the advantage of having fewer complications.