The Effects of Needle Revision of Failed Filtering Blebs with Preoperative Mitomycin-C Application

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to determine the efficacy and safety of needle revision of failed filtering blebs using preoperative mitomycin C (MMC) application. METHODS: We reviewed the records of 28 patients (31 eyes) who had undergone needle revision with MMC for the treatment of failed filtering bleb. MMC (0.02 mg/ml, 0.1 ml) was injected subconjunctivally one day before needle revision. RESULTS: Postopertive mean follow-up period was 42 weeks. Twenty five eyes (80.6%) were classified as surgical success which was defined as IOP less than 21 mmHg with or without any antiglaucomatous therapy. Intraocular pressure decreased from 25.5+/-6.0 mmHg before surgery to 18.6+/-5.2 mmHg at the last follow-up (p< 0.05). No serious complication was found. CONCLUSION: Our result suggested that needle revision with the preoperative subconjunctival injetion of mitomycin-C may be an effective and safe method to revive failed filtration blebs.