Abstract
Purpose: :
To report a surgical technique using the BSS forced tube irrigation as an alternative approach for the management of glaucoma drainage device surgical failure.
Methods: :
A series of 18 cases that previously underwent Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) surgery for refractory glaucoma and presenting IOP > 21 mm Hg, between 4 to 6 months postoperative period were submitted to FTI which consists of the cannulization of the tube with 27 gauge cannula and a forced tube irrigation with BSS (1-3 ml).
Results: :
mean IOP before FTI (baseline IOP) 31.94±10.40 mmHg; mean IOPs after FTI: 14.28±6.16 mm Hg (p<0.001, vs baseline), 16.56±8.29 mmHg (p<0.001, vs baseline) and 14.78±4.28 mmHg (p<0.001, vs baseline) at months 1, 2 and 4-6, respectively. Eight out of 18 patients were without medication after FTI. Ten patients needed topical medication for further IOP control (mean medication classes per patient=2). No complications were observed.
Conclusions: :
Forced tube irrigation provides a safe and efficient way to reduce uncontrolled IOP which may occur after glaucoma drainage device surgery.
Keywords: intraocular pressure • wound healing