The Results of Molteno Implant Surgery

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The author evaluated the outcome of the Molteno implant drainage device in refractory glaucoma. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 17 eyes of 17 patients that had undergone Molteno implantation for glaucoma unresponsive to conventional treatment from May 1997 to February 2001 at our hospital. Complete success was defined as a postoperative intraocular pressure of less than 21 mmHg (but over 5 mmHg) at last visit without glaucoma medications, and qualified success was the same pressure as above with glaucoma medications and with no additional glaucoma surgery, phthisis, or removal of Molteno implant. RESULTS: The total success was 70.6% (41.2%, complete; 29.4%, qualified). There was a significant difference in number of antiglaucoma medications between preoperative and postoperative. Postoperative relief of ocular pain or headache was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The Molteno implant surgery offers a reasonable outcome in eyes with intractable glaucoma. The proper management will result in less complications and a better control of intraocular pressure.