Phacoemulsification with Intraocular Implantation of Lens, Endocyclophotocoagulation, and Endoscopic-Goniosynechialysis (PIECES): A Combined Technique for the Management of Extensive Synechial Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma.

Primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) is more blinding (1 in 4 cases) than primary open angle glaucoma (1 in 10 cases). Cataract surgery is an effective initial treatment for majority of cases of PACG. However, cataract surgery alone may not be enough to control intraocular pressure (IOP) in cases with extensive synechial angle closure glaucoma. It is reported that glaucoma drainage surgery is needed in 12% of PACG cases after cataract surgery. Some experts combine cataract surgery with either goniosynechialysis (GSL) or endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) to enhance IOP control. However, neither combination ensures complete success. We report three subjects with extensive synechia! angle closure in whom we facilitated a technique that combines lens extraction with ECP and endoscopic-GSL (PIECES). We demonstrated that this combined technique was a more effective and efficient method of achieving lower IOP in the presence of extensive synechial PACG. We believe that it addresses both the inflow and outflow of the aqueous humor simultaneously. Two out of three patients had good IOP control without medication and one patient needed one drop after a minimum 12 months of follow up. Furthermore, it may reduce the need for medical therapy and future more invasive glaucoma drainage surgery. How to cite this article: Alaghband P, Rodrigues IAS, Goyal S. Phacoemulsification with Intraocular Implantation of Lens, Endocyclophotocoagulation, and Endoscopic-Goniosynechialysis (PIECES): A Combined Technique for the Management of Extensive Synechial Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2018;12(1):45-49.

Gonioscopically Guided Nonpenetrating Cyclodialysis Cleft Repair: A Novel Surgical Technique.

AIM: We present a novel surgical technique for repair of persistent and symptomatic cyclodialysis clefts refractory to conservative or minimally invasive treatment. BACKGROUND: Numerous surgical techniques have been described to close cyclodialysis clefts. The current standard approach involves intraocular repair of cyclodialysis clefts underneath a full-thickness scleral flap. TECHNIQUE: Our technique employs intraoperative use of a direct gonioscope to guide a nonpenetrating surgical repair. Subsequently, a significantly less invasive, nonpenetrating technique utilizing a partial-thickness scleral flap can be performed that reduces potential risks associated with intraocular surgery. The direct gonioscope is also used for confirmation of adequate surgical closure of the cyclodialysis cleft prior to completion of surgery. This technique has been successfully carried out to repair traumatic chronic cyclodialysis clefts associated with hypotony in two patients. There were no significant adverse events as a result of using this technique. CONCLUSION: The novel technique described increases the likelihood of successful and permanent repair of cyclodialysis clefts with resolution of symptoms associated with hypotony, through direct intraoperative visualization of the cleft. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Gonioscopically guided nonpenetrating cyclodialysis cleft repair offers significant benefits over previously described techniques. Advantages of our technique include gonioscopic cleft visualization, enabling accurate localization of the area requiring repair, and subsequent confirmation of adequate closure of the cleft. Using a partial-thickness scleral flap is also less invasive and reduces risks associated with treatment of this potentially challenging complication of ocular trauma. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Rodrigues IAS, Shah B, Goyal S, Lim S. Gonioscopically Guided Nonpenetrating Cyclodialysis Cleft Repair: A Novel Surgical Technique. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2017;11(1):31-34.

Ophthalmic surgical training following modernising medical careers: regional variation in experience across the UK.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate surgical experience among current doctors appointed into ophthalmology training posts since the introduction of the Modernising Medical Careers programme. Additionally, to identify regional variations in surgical experience and training programme delivery. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey. SETTING: The UK's four largest deaneries (Schools of Ophthalmology). PARTICIPANTS: Trainee ophthalmologists, all having completed three or more years of training, who were appointed to the new ophthalmic specialty training programme. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The mean annual surgical rate for each deanery in phacoemulsification cataract extractions and experience in other common elective and emergency surgical operations. Second, to calculate the mean timetabled clinical activity. RESULTS: The responses of 40 doctors were analysed, with a response rate of 83%. Overall, the phacoemulsification rate was 73.52±29.24 operations/year. This was significantly higher in the South Thames Deanery (99.69±26.16, p=0.0005) and significantly lower in the North Western Deanery (48.08±19.72, p=0.0008). The annual mean complex cataract rate was 5.21±4.38. Only 40% were confident in dealing with the most common complication of cataract surgery (vitreous loss). The mean trabeculectomy (surgery for glaucoma) rate was 0.47±1.16 and for squint surgery it was 3.54±2.82 operations/year. Regarding the common ocular trauma surgery, 42.5% had not sutured a corneal laceration and 60% a globe rupture. 50% thought the training programme would adequately prepare them surgically. The timetabled clinical activity was highest in the South Thames Deanery (48.17 h/week) and lowest in the North Western Deanery (40.82 h/week) due to variations in the European Working Time Directive implementation and on-call commitments. CONCLUSIONS: Significant regional variations in surgical training experience exist between UK deaneries, particularly with respect to cataract surgery, and they appear to be correlated to timetabled activity. Experience and confidence levels in managing complex cataract surgery and complications were low and experience with previously commonly performed elective and emergency operations was minimal. Although doctors from all the regions surveyed were very likely to achieve the minimum cataract extractions required for specialist training completion, we have identified shortcomings of the current training programme that need attention.