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Abstract #8558 Published in IGR 5-1
Ab-interno trabeculo-canalectomy: surgical approach and histological examination
Ferrari E; Bandello F; Ortolani F; Petrelli L; Marchini M; Ponzin DEuropean Journal of Ophthalmology 2002; 12: 401-405
PURPOSE: To evaluate, in eye bank eyes, a new surgical approach aimed at removing a quadrant of the trabecular meshwork (TM), with an ab interno approach. METHODS: Gonioscopically-controlled ab interno removal of the TM was performed with a subretinal forceps in six human bank eyes. Serial histological sections were obtained from the treated and untreated part of each globe to assess the effect of the technique on intraocular tissues. RESULTS: Under the gonioscope, the TM could easily be removed in strings of varying lengths. Unexpectedly, histological examination showed that this resulted in a well-defined deep furrow in the middle of the trabecular region involving both the TM and the inner wall of Schlemm's canal. The operation created a direct communication between the anterior chamber and Schlemm's canal lumen without any evident damage to the outer canal wall and adjacent ocular structures such as the iris base and corneal endothelium. CONCLUSIONS: This small series of human bank eyes showed that the procedure involves both the TM and the inner wall of Schlemm's canal and is therefore called ab interno trabeculocanalectomy (AITC). The intraoperative findings and the histological evidence are encouraging, and suggest that the procecedure could have potential clinical application.
Dr. E. Ferrari, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Udine, Italy. ettore.ferrari@dsc.uniud.it
Classification:
12.9 Trabeculotomy, goniotomy (Part of: 12 Surgical treatment)
