ABSTRACT
Phacotrabeculectomy is the preferred surgical management of coexisting visually significant cataract and moderate to advanced glaucoma. We report the surgical technique of a new modified fornix-based separate-site phacotrabeculectomy, with mitomycin C (MMC) application, in both primary open angle and angle closure glaucoma. In this new separate-site technique, both phaco and filtration are accommodated superiorly, side by side, hence called twin-site. This was achieved in an efficacious and safe manner with sparing of limbal stem cells without compromising safety. It is not only MMC-compatible but also has a low incidence of wound leak. The technique has no adverse consequence on the survival of the bleb, and we achieved complete success in 79.2% and total success in 93.1% in 130 eyes of 117 patients, in the intermediate term. Furthermore, the time taken for this separate-site surgical technique is comparable to published one-site procedures.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: The purpose of the study is to report the outcomes of simultaneous cataract extraction (CE) and a new nonvalved glaucoma drainage device (GDD), Aurolab Aqueous Drainage Implant (AADI), in eyes with cataract and refractory glaucoma. Methods: This was a non-comparative, interventional, retrospective study. Consecutive patients who underwent AADI together with phacoemulsification from June-2015 to January-2017 by a single fellowship trained glaucoma surgeon with documented 3-months of follow-up were included. The main outcomes were intraocular pressure (IOP), antiglaucoma medication (AGM), visual acuity, and complications. Results: We included 19 eyes of 17 patients with average follow-up of 14.4 ± 8.4 months. IOP and AGM reduced from 36.9 ± 11.1 mmHg and 4 ± 0.8 preoperatively to 12 ± 4.5 mmHg and 0.8 ± 1.2, respectively (P < 0.001). Complications were seen in seven eyes (36.8%). Total success was seen in 17 eyes (89.5%). None of the patients lost vision. Conclusion: Combining cataract extraction with the new non-valved Aurolab Aqueous Drainage Implant, appears to be an effective and safe technique in eyes with refractory glaucoma and cataract. Larger studies and further follow-up is recommended for such patients.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of needling-revision augmented with a high dose of mitomycin C (MMC) in failing or failed blebs after trabeculectomy in Indian eyes. Methods: Prospective, noncomparative, interventional study. All patients (>18 years) who had raised intraocular pressure (IOP) following trabeculectomy (>6 weeks and <2 years), who had a flat bleb, bleb encapsulation, and/or required antiglaucoma medication (AGM) for IOP control were eligible for inclusion. MMC was injected subconjunctivally at least ½ hour before the needling procedure was carried out at the slit lamp in the outpatient's clinic. Results: Thirty-nine eyes of 38 patients were included. The median follow-up was 20 months and time interval between trabeculectomy and needle revision was 113 days. Initially, in all cases, aqueous flow was re-established with a raised bleb; 7 eyes required repeat needling. IOP decreased from median 24 mmHg (Q1 21, Q3 27, interquartile range [IQR] 6, range 18–35) preneedling to median 14 mmHg (Q1 10, Q3 16, IQR 6, range 6–18) postneedling at last follow-up (P < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.2–13.0). The use of AGM reduced from median 1 (Q1 0, Q3 3, IQR 3, range 0–4) preneedling to median 0 postneedling (P < 0.0001, 95% CI: 1–2). Complete success was seen in 28 eyes (71.8%, 95% CI: 71.1%–96.4%); another 5 eyes (12.8%) were controlled with AGM (qualified success) with overall success of 84.6%. Most complications were transient in nature with resolution within 1 week. One patient developed hypotony, and another developed a late bleb leak. Conclusion: Needling revision augmented with high-dose MMC, at the slit lamp, effectively rescues failing or failed filtration, and appears to be safe.