Abstract | PURPOSE: The introduction of anti-metabolite regimens to glaucoma filtration surgery has improved post-operative intraocular pressure (IOP) control; however, it has also increased the frequency of dysfunctional blebs. In this study, we report a surgical technique for the repair of trabeculectomy blebs using bleb preservation, a sliding conjunctival flap, and fibrin glue. METHODS: This study is a retrospective, non-comparative, consecutive case series involving 10 eye samples collected from 10 patients (6 M : 4 F) with one or a combination of bleb overfiltration, dysesthesia, thinning, leak, or blebitis, in which a conjunctival flap was advanced over the failing bleb and secured in place using fibrin glue and sutures. RESULTS: All patient eyes had symptom resolution post-operatively. There were no bleb leaks or hypotonous eyes after an average follow-up of 15.2 months (range: 6-31 months). Three patients required needling augmented with 5-fluorouracil needling to maintain IOP control. IOP decreased from a mean of 13.6+/-1.8 mm Hg (with a mean of 0.7 glaucoma medications) pre-operatively to 11.7+/-0.9 mm Hg (with a mean of 0.9 glaucoma medications). CONCLUSION: Conjunctival flap advancement with bleb preservation and adjunctive fibrin glue is a successful technique used for the treatment of bleb dysfunction. The major advantages compared with other techniques are preservation of IOP control and reduced post-operative complications, such as wound leak and the need for re-suturing.
|
Authors | G A Lee, D J Holcombe |
Journal | Eye (London, England)
(Eye (Lond))
Vol. 24
Issue 6
Pg. 947-53
(Jun 2010)
ISSN: 1476-5454 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 19942939
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
|
Chemical References |
|
Topics |
- Aged
- Conjunctiva
(surgery)
- Female
- Fibrin Tissue Adhesive
(therapeutic use)
- Filtering Surgery
(methods)
- Glaucoma
(surgery)
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Postoperative Complications
(surgery)
- Reoperation
(methods)
- Retrospective Studies
- Surgical Flaps
- Trabeculectomy
(adverse effects)
|