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Abstract #6538 Published in IGR 3-2
Is the role of trabeculectomy in glaucoma management changing?
Whittaker KW; Gillow JT; Cunliffe IAEye 2001; 15: 449-452
BACKGROUND: In recent years there have been significant developments in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. The authors conducted a study to determine whether there has been an associated change in the trabeculectomy rates in England over this period. METHODS: Figures for the total number of trabeculectomies and cataract operations performed in England for each year from 1989/1990 to 1999/2000 were obtained from the Department of Health, Hospital Episode Statistics Division. RESULTS: The available data show that the number of trabeculectomies and cataract operations increased year on year from 1990/1991 until 1995/1996. Since then, the number of cataract procedures has continued to rise dramatically, whereas the number of trabeculectomies has fallen progressively by 7%, 23%, 37% and 53% in the last four years. CONCLUSIONS: The perceived need for surgical intervention would appear to have been delayed or prevented. The authors postulate that several factors underlie this trend and that there are a number of implications regarding the future management of glaucoma patients.
Mr K.W. Whittaker, Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre, City Hospital NHS Trust, Birmingham B18 7QH, UK
Classification:
12.8.1 Without tube implant (Part of: 12 Surgical treatment > 12.8 Filtering surgery)
