Abstract
Purpose: :
To determine the efficacy of Seprafilm® (Genzyme Corporation, Cambridge, MA), a bioresorbable translucent membrane composed of two chemically modified anionic polysaccharides, sodium hyaluronate and carboxymethylcellulose, to prevent postoperative adhesion during trabeculectomy in rabbits.
Methods: :
All surgeries were carried out with the animals under general anesthesia. Five male albino rabbits comprised the study group undergoing trabeculectomy with Seprafilm® . After a fornix–based conjunctival incision was made, a 3×3 mm scleral flap was created. Trabeculectomy was performed at the scleral spur followed by iridectomy. A 3×2 mm Seprafilm® sheet was placed beneath the scleral flap. Another 5×6 mm Seprafilm® sheet was put over the scleral flap. The scleral flap and cojunctival wound were sutured with 10–0 nylon. In the 5 control rabbits, the same procedures were performed without Seprafilm®. Mitomycin C was not applied in any case. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured with a Tonopen® in both eyes and examinations of the anterior segment were performedon days 1 and 3 and each week postoperatively.
Results: :
In the study group, the mean IOP of the operated eyes was 9.9±0.6 mmHg and that of the fellow eyes was 13.2±0.8 mmHg 4 weeks postoperatively(p<0.001). In the control group, the mean IOP of the operated was 11.9±0.8 mmHg and that of the fellow eyes was 12.2±0.9 mmHg 1 week postoperatively (p=ns). A vascular bleb formed in the study group for 4 weeks postoperatively but disappeared in the control group on day 5 postoperatively.
Conclusions: :
Seprafilm® can assist filtering bleb formation after trabeculectomy prevent sclera–sclera and sclera–conjunctival adhesions postoperatively.
Keywords: wound healing • conjunctiva • sclera