A new trabeculectomy technique for the treatment of glaucoma

Abstract

   PURPOSE. To develop a new modified technique of sinus trabeculectomy for the surgical treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) aimed at reducing scarring and improving and prolonging the outflow of aqueous humor along newly formed pathways.   METHODS. In the course of the surgery, superficial and deep scleral flaps were formed. After trabeculectomy, the lateral edges of the deep flap were turned inside out and superimposed on each other, forming a roller with "grooves" on its sides used for the outflow of aque-ous humor. The operation was performed in 52 patients (52 eyes) aged 43 to 84 years old (mean age 63.4 ± 1.49 years). Of these, 39 patients were diagnosed with POAG at advanced and far advanced stages, and 13 patients with POAG and a history of previous laser and surgical interventions. The patients were divided into groups: group 1 (main) — 25 patients (25 eyes) who underwent the modified sinus trabeculectomy involving the formation of grooves for the outflow of aqueous humor, and group 2 (controls) — 27 patients (27 eyes) who underwent standard sinus trabeculectomy. The follow-up lasted up to 24 months. Standard methods of examination were used (visometry, tonometry, computer perimetry, tonography, etc.). Optical coherence tomography of the anterior segment of the eye was performed in the early postoperative period, followed by ultrasound biomicroscopy.   RESULTS. One month after surgery, the average level of intraocular pressure was comparable and remained low in all groups: 1 — 16.7 ± 0.6 mm Hg, 2 — 17.1 ± 0.7 mm Hg. After one year post surgery, IOP remained normalized in both groups. By 24 months, IOP normalization was preserved in 84 %, and including patients compensated on medication — 96 %. In the control group, the hypotensive success rate was 74 %, and including patients compensated on a medication regimen — 88.8 %.   CONCLUSION. The newly developed sinus trabeculectomy technique for the surgical treatment of glaucoma achieves a prolonged hypotensive effect.