rss
Br J Ophthalmol 2006;90:44-47 doi:10.1136/bjo.2005.072884
  • Clinical science
    • Extended reports

Safe trabeculectomy technique: long term outcome

  1. I Stalmans1,
  2. A Gillis2,
  3. A-S Lafaut1,
  4. T Zeyen1
  1. 1Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital, Leuven, B-3000, Belgium
  2. 2Algemeen Ziekenhuis Middelheim, B-2020 Antwerpen
  1. Correspondence to: T Zeyen MD, PhD, Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital, Kapucijnenvoer 33, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium; thierry.zeyen{at}uz.kuleuven.ac.be
  • Accepted 8 August 2005

Abstract

Aim: To assess the long term outcome of a new trabeculectomy technique.

Methods: Trabeculectomy was performed using a fornix based conjunctival flap, an anterior chamber maintainer, a standardised punch technique, and a combination of adjustable and releasable sutures in 56 eyes of 53 patients. The main outcome measures were the postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) and the frequency of early postoperative complications. The mean follow up time was 15.7 (range 12–21) months.

Results: The mean preoperative and postoperative IOP at 12 months were 21.2 (SD 6) and 12.8 (3.0) mm Hg, respectively. All patients had an IOP of <21 mm Hg, 90.9% had an IOP <18 mm Hg, and 61.4% had an IOP <14 mm Hg. Postoperative complications were infrequent: flat anterior chamber (1.8%), bleb leakage (0%), or hypotony (1.5%) beyond 3 weeks, or choroidal detachment at any time point (8.9%).

Conclusions: This novel trabeculectomy method offers the possibility to tailor the IOP postoperatively with a minimum of postoperative complications and excellent IOP control at the long term follow up.

Footnotes

    This Article

    1. Abstract
    2. Full text
    3. PDF

    Responses

    1. Submit a response
    2. No responses published

    Register for free content

    The full back archive is now available for all BMJ Journals. Institutional subscribers may access the entire archive as part of their subscription. Personal subscribers will also have access to all content when logged in. Non-subscribers who register have free access to all articles published before 2006 right back to volume 1 issue 1. Register here to access the free archive of all BMJ Journals.

    Don't forget to sign up for content alerts so you keep up to date with all the articles as they are published.