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WGA Rescources

Abstract #3662 Published in IGR 4-2

Laser-assisted deep sclerectomy

Verges C; Llevat E; Bardavio J
Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery 2002; 28: 758-765


PURPOSE: To study the clinical effectiveness of deep sclerectomy using the erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) laser in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG). METHODS: This nonrandomized prospective clinical study was performed in 46 consecutive eyes with OAG. Seventeen patients had not received any previous treatment for glaucoma. Eight had received one medication; 14, two medications; and seven, three medications. The mean duration of treatment was 18.3 ± 9.4 months (SD). After mitomycin-C 0.02% was administered for two minutes, a superficial 4.0 x 4.0 mm scleral flap was created and a deep 3.0 x 3.0 mm scleral ablation was performed with the Er:YAG laser. Schlemm's canal was removed, and the cornea was dissected to Descemet's membrane until aqueous humor percolated. The scleral flap and conjunctiva were closed. Postoperative follow-up examinations were done at one, three, and seven days, two, three, and four weeks, and then every three months up to 15 months. RESULTS: The mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 28.3 ± 6.1 mmHg. The mean postoperative IOP was 14.1 ± 3.5 mmHg at 24 hours, 16.3 ± 4.2 mmHg at three months, and 15.3 ± 2.7 mmHg at 15 months (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in IOP by sex or age. There was a statistically significant difference between patients receiving no medication and those who received more than two medications and a treatment period longer than one year preoperatively (p < 0.006). The presence of a filtering bleb was associated with a longer period of decreased IOP (p < 0.007). The success rate (IOP ≤ 18 mmHg without medication) was 93.47% at one month and 84.78% at 15 months. The number of complications was significantly lower than in previous reports of trabeculectomy. One patient lost two lines of visual acuity because of cystoid macular edema. CONCLUSIONS: Deep sclerectomy using the Er:YAG laser was safe and effective in eyes with OAG. More studies are needed to analyze the mechanism of lowering IOP.

Dr. C. Verges, Department of Ophthalmology, Institut Universitari Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain. cverges@cverges.com


Classification:

12.8.3 Non-perforating (Part of: 12 Surgical treatment > 12.8 Filtering surgery)



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