Risk factors for failure of 5-fluorouracil needling revision for failed conjunctival filtration blebs

Efficacy and safety of ab interno trabeculectomy revision with 5-fluorouracil in advanced glaucoma due to subconjunctival fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

To describe the outcomes of patients who underwent a single ab interno trabeculectomy revision augmented with 5-fluorouracil.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

All patients who had undergone ab interno trabeculectomy revision at a single tertiary care centre during the 5-year study period. All patients had advanced glaucomatous optic neuropathy, and all treated ages and glaucoma subtypes were included.

METHODS

Outcome measures included surgical success, number of topical intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering drops, best-corrected visual acuity, visual field mean deviation, and postoperative complications. Success at 12 months was defined using 2 criteria: criterion A (IOP <15 mm Hg and >20% reduction) and criterion B (IOP <12 mm Hg and >20% reduction). Each success criterion was subdivided into patients who achieved success without topical IOP-lowering drops (complete success) or with topical therapy (qualified success).

RESULTS

This study included 46 eyes of 46 patients. Of these, 34 patients were followed for 12 months or more to assess surgical success. Success defined by criterion A was achieved by 68% of these 34 patients (53% complete, 15% qualified). Success defined by criterion B was achieved by 47% of these patients (38% complete, 9% qualified). Early hypotony was noted in 68% of eyes but was not associated with negative visual acuity or visual field outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

An IOP of <12 mm Hg and a >20% IOP reduction were achieved by 47% of patients overall (with or without topical therapy) at 12 months of follow-up. Transient early postoperative hypotony should be expected following ab interno revision trabeculectomy.

Ab interno trabeculectomy revision with 5-flourouracil for failed trabeculectomy in advanced glaucoma: 3-year outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To describe the 3-year outcomes of patients who underwent ab interno trabeculectomy revision with a translimbal sclerostomy spatula augmented with 5-flourouracil.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

In this single-centre study, inclusion criteria included patients who were 18 years of age or older with advanced glaucoma who had undergone ab interno trabeculectomy revision with 5-flourouracil due to subconjunctival fibrosis and above-target intraocular pressure (IOP). Patients were required to have a minimum follow-up of 3 years.

METHODS

The primary outcome measure was IOP. Secondary outcome measures included number of topical IOP-lowering medications, best-corrected distance visual acuity, visual field mean deviation, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Forty-one eyes of 41 patients met the criteria for inclusion. Survival analysis demonstrated success defined by criterion A (IOP <15 mm Hg and >20% reduction) in 44% of eyes without medication (complete success) and 71% of eyes with or without medication (qualified success) at 3-year follow-up. Complete and qualified successes defined by criterion B (IOP <12 mm Hg and >20% reduction) were achieved by 31% and 44% of eyes, respectively. Early complications included transient hypotony in 26 eyes (63%) and transient hyphema in 3 eyes (7.3%). No persistent complications were reported within the 3-year study period.

CONCLUSION

Ab interno trabeculectomy revision can be an effective technique for achieving a low target IOP in patients with advanced glaucoma in up to 3-year follow-up.

Laser goniopuncture after deep sclerectomy: incidence, long-term outcomes and risk factors for failure

AIMS

To report the incidence, risk factors and long-term outcomes of laser goniopuncture (LGP) in patients with previous deep sclerectomy (DS).

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of 1765 eyes (1385 patients) undergoing DS with or without cataract surgery between 2001 and 2020 in two UK institutions. Kaplan-Meier was used to estimate LGP incidence. DS success after LGP was calculated for criteria A, B, and C defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) of ≤18, ≤15 and ≤12 mm Hg with 20%, 25% and 30% reduction, respectively. Cox regression was used to investigate factors associated with the risk of failure.

RESULTS

LGP had an estimated incidence of 33.3% (30.9%-35.6%), 56.3% (53.5%-58.9%) and 62.8% (59.7%-65.6%) at 1, 3, 5 years, respectively. Mean (±SD) IOP significantly (p<0.001) decreased from 21.2 (±6.0) mm Hg pre-LGP to 13.8 (±5.2) mm Hg and 12.9 (±4.7) mm Hg at 3 and 5 years post-LGP, respectively. Success rates at 3 and 5 years were, respectively, 40.9% (37.5%-44.6%) and 33.7% (30.3%-37.6%) for criterion A; 27.1% (24.0%-30.5%) and 22.3% (19.3%-25.7%) for criterion B and 13.9% (11.6%-16.7%) and 11.6% (9.5%-14.3%) for criterion C. In all models, higher pre-LGP IOP (p<0.001) and higher pre-LGP medication number (p<0.001) were associated with increased failure, while male gender (p≤0.004), intraoperative mitomycin C (p≤0.031), longer interval between DS and LGP (p≤0.01) with reduced failure.

CONCLUSION

Most patients undergoing DS will eventually require LGP. LGP is effective at rescuing eyes with a failing DS. This study identifies several factors associated with LGP outcomes, knowledge of which may help clinicians predict LGP success.

Outcomes of bleb needling in primary glaucoma: A prospective interventional study in a South Indian population

Purpose

This study was conducted to assess the outcomes of bleb needling for the treatment of failure of filtration surgeries in primary glaucoma with a follow-up of six months.

Methods

This prospective interventional study included patients with primary glaucoma who underwent trabeculectomy or combined glaucoma and cataract surgery with failed or failing bleb after six weeks of surgery and less than two years. A comprehensive examination including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, gonioscopy, slit-lamp examination, and bleb morphology grading was done. Selected patients underwent a subconjunctival bleb needling with mitomycin C (MMC) (dose 0.2 mg/ml). Postoperatively, patients were followed up on the first, third, and sixth months and were assessed with respect to IOP, need for antiglaucoma medication (AGM), and complications.

Results

Sixty eyes of 59 patients were included. Preoperatively, 33.3% of patients were on one AGM, whereas postoperatively at the third month 51.7% and at the sixth month 50% of patients were on no AGM. There was a statistically significant decrease in IOP (P < 0.001) from preoperative (mean: 23.8 ± 7.86 mmHg) to postoperative first month (mean: 19.8 ± 9.08 mmHg), third month (mean: 17.4 ± 5.4 mmHg) and sixth month (mean 16.6 ± 4.39). According to the defined criteria in the current study, we achieved 22 (37.9%) successes, 31 qualified successes (53.4%), and 5 (8.6%) failures. Univariate regression analysis showed a higher failure rate among younger age groups. Gender, laterality, and intraoperative complications were not significant statistically.

Conclusion

Bleb needling is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of failed filtration surgeries.

Effect of the rho-kinase inhibitor ripasudil in needling with mitomycin C for the failure of filtering bleb after trabeculectomy: a cross-sectional study

Background

Rho-kinase inhibitors can inhibit fibrosis after glaucoma surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of rho-kinase inhibitor after needling procedure with mitomycin C for the failure of filtering bleb with trabeculectomy.

Methods

This retrospective single-center study examined the effects of rho-kinase inhibitor after the needling procedure. We included 27 eyes of 27 patients with glaucoma who underwent needling procedure using mitomycin C and were subsequently treated with ripasudil—a rho-associated protein kinase inhibitor (ripasudil group)—or without ripasudil (control group). The ripasudil and control groups were compared in terms of intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of antiglaucoma medications. Success at 12 months after the needling procedure was defined as a > 20% decrease in IOP from the preoperative period without surgical reintervention.

Results

At 12 months after the needling procedure, the mean IOP decreased from 16.9 ± 4.5 to 12.6 ± 1.1 mmHg in the control group and from 16.0 ± 5.3 to 12.2 ± 1.2 mmHg in the ripasudil group (p = 0.77). The 12-month success rates were 60.00% and 56.25% in the control and ripasudil groups (p = 0.98), respectively. In the preoperative period, the numbers of antiglaucoma drugs were 0.27 ± 0.46 and 0.92 ± 0.91 in the control and ripasudil groups (p = 0.022), respectively, and at 12 months after the needling procedure, they were 1.07 ± 1.44 and 0.73 ± 1.10 (p = 0.52), respectively.

Conclusions

Treatment with ripasudil (a rho-associated protein kinase inhibitor) after the needling procedure with mitomycin C did not show better results than treatment with the mitomycin C needling procedure alone at 12 months after the procedure.

CO2 laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma in Chinese patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of CO2-Laser Assisted Sclerectomy Surgery (CLASS) with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in treating open-angle glaucoma (OAG) in Chinese patients. Methods: This was a retrospective, uncontrolled, interventional case series. All patients from 2016 to 2017 who received CLASS were recruited in this study. The primary outcome was the change in intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of IOP-lowering medications over a 12-month follow-up period. Adverse events were evaluated as secondary outcomes. Results: Data were collected from forty-two eyes of 31 patients. The average preoperative IOP was 31.33 ± 7.60mmHg. The mean percentage of IOP reduction from baseline at postoperative months (POM) 1, 3, 6, 9, and, 12 were 48.1% ± 24.6%, 51.4% ± 19.3%, 51.2% ± 17.2%, 50.9% ± 15.0%, 49.2% ± 16.3%, respectively (all P < 0.001). The number of glaucoma medications decreased from a baseline of 3.02 ± 0.81 to 0.05 ± 0.22, 0.10 ± 0.37, 0.12 ± 0.40, 0.17 ± 0.44, and 0.24 ± 0.58 at POM 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12, respectively (all P < 0.001). At POM 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12, complete success rates were 66.7%, 73.8%, 76.2%, 69.1%, and 71.4%, respectively. At POM 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12, qualified success rates were 71.4%, 82.0%, 85.3%, 83.3%, and 90.5%, respectively. Major postoperative complications include peripheral iris synechia, iris incarceration, and anterior chamber shallowing. Conclusions: CLASS with 5-FU shows safety and efficacy for decreasing IOP and the number of IOP-lowering medications over a 12-month follow-up period. It could be an alternative treatment for patients with OAG.

Factors affecting the early and mid-term success of needling for early failure of filtering bleb

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the factors affecting the success of needling surgery for early filtering bleb failure after trabeculectomy.

Methods:

Patients who underwent a single needling surgery within 3 months after trabeculectomy were retrospectively evaluated. Glaucoma type, intraocular pressure (IOP), and medical treatments before trabeculectomy; the presence of hypotony after trabeculectomy; bleb type; IOP before needling; lens status; complications; IOP after 1, 6, and 12 months; and medical treatments after needling were recorded. Risk factors were evaluated for complete success at 1, 6, and 12 months after needling.

Results:

Thirty-three eyes of 33 patients were analyzed. The mean IOP after needling at 1, 6, and 12 months was 16.09 ± 3.70, 15.64 ± 2.68, and 15.79 ± 2.61 mmHg, respectively. The mean age of the patients was 53.97 (25–79) years. The mean IOP after needling at 1, 6, and 12 months was 16.09 ± 3.70, 15.64 ± 2.68, and 15.79 ± 2.61 mmHg, respectively. The pre-needling IOP and IOP decrease on the first day affected the complete and qualified success at 1, 6, and 12 months, but the glaucoma type, presence of hypotony after trabeculectomy, lens status, interval between trabeculectomy and needling, and bleb type were not found to affect success. In the receiver operating curve analysis, the pre-needling IOP value was found to be significant in determining complete success. Complete success at 1 month was more likely when the pre-needling IOP cutoff value was <24.5 mmHg.

Conclusion:

According to the results of single needling surgery performed within 3 months after trabeculectomy, the pre-needling IOP and IOP decrease with needling were found to be factors affecting success. Regardless of the time between the primary trabeculectomy and needling, effective needling will be successful before the IOP rises to high levels. Keeping the IOP at low values with medical treatment until the needling process is performed will have a positive effect on success.

Outcome of Bleb Needling With 5-Fluorouracil in Failed Filtering Procedures in Pediatric Glaucoma

PURPOSE

To determine the surgical outcomes of bleb needling and the risk factors of failure of needling after failed filtration surgeries in patients with pediatric glaucoma.

METHODS

The medical records of patients who underwent needling with 5-fluorouracil following filtering surgeries (trabeculectomy, combined trabeculectomy, and trabeculotomy) between January 2012 and December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. At the 1-year follow-up visit, complete success and qualified success were defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) of less than 18 mm Hg with and without antiglaucoma medication, respectively.

RESULTS

Forty-five eyes that underwent needling and fulfilled the study criteria were included in the analysis. The mean age at needling was 9.6 years. The mean time interval between filtration surgery and the first needling procedure was 57.3 days. Thirty-eight of 45 eyes (84.4%) had undergone needling within 3 months after the primary surgery. Cumulative success was achieved in 35 eyes (77.7%) after needling (complete success in 22 eyes and qualified success in 13 eyes). Mean follow-up after needling was 18.9 months. The mean IOP before and after needling was 31.7 ± 9.45 and 16.6 ± 5.68 mm Hg, respectively (P < .00001). Steroid-induced glaucoma (P = .01), high IOP prior to the first filtration surgery (P = .01), and an inability to achieve low IOP (< 9 mm Hg, P = .04) immediately after needling were significant risk factors associated with failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Bleb needling is an efficient method for lowering IOP after a failed trabeculectomy or combined trabeculectomy and trabeculotomy in the pediatric population. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2021;58(2):118-125.].

Efficacy and safety of 5-fluorouracil in infrared monitor guided bleb revision

Purpose

Infrared monitor-guided bleb revision (IRGBR), an alternative needling system, visualizes anterior-segment tissues around the bleb not visible during needle revision after trabeculectomy. This study determined the safety and efficiency of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) as an adjunctive anti-metabolite in IRGBR.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 43 consecutive eyes (40 patients; 14 eyes, primary open-angle; 29 eyes, secondary glaucoma) treated with IRGBR for failing filtering blebs. The patients were divided into two groups. The first one had IRGBR without adjunctive 5-FU subconjunctival injection, and the second one had IRGBR with 5-FU. We performed Kaplan-Meier survival analysis using log-rank tests after 2 years of follow-up and Cox proportional hazards regression model to analyze the dependence of the survival time on predictor variables. Two failure criteria were defined as the need for additional surgery for intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction and the IOP at two consecutive follow-up visits based on definition 1, IOP ≧22 mmHg and definition 2, IOP ≧17 mmHg.

Results

Thirty eyes (29 cases) underwent IRGBR with subconjunctival 5-FU injection (group A in the second term) and 13 eyes (11 cases) without 5-FU (group B in the first term). The success rates 24 months after IRGBR were 73.3 and 23.1%, respectively, in groups A and B based on the definition 1 failure and 56.7 and 7.7% based on the definition 2 failure. Complications included transient bleb leaks (group A, 3 eyes; group B, none) and choroidal detachment (group A, 1 eye; group B, none). No use of 5-FU and IOPs ≧10 mmHg 1 week after IRGBR were significant risk factors.

Conclusions

Adjunctive 5-FU in IRGBR achieved a better success rate for failing trabeculectomy blebs.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12886-021-01843-4.

Prospective Evaluation of the First Mitomycin C Augmented Needle Revision in Patients With Failed Nonpenetrating Deep Sclerectomy

PRECIS

At 6 months the procedure achieved a 33.89% drop in intraocular pressure (IOP), had an overall success rate of 57.15%, and did not change the best-corrected visual acuity. Achieving <8 mm Hg of IOP the day after the procedure may be a prognostic success indicator.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the first mitomycin C (MMC)-augmented needle revision in patients with failed nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS) and factors associated with its success.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective, nonrandomized comparative trial included 21 consecutive patients (21 eyes) who underwent their first MMC needling revision of failed NPDS blebs. The success was defined as absolute if the IOP decreased >20% from the preoperative value without antiglaucoma treatment and as qualified if that level was achieved with antiglaucoma medications. Preoperative and postoperative factors were evaluated for an association with postoperative success using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

A significant reduction in mean IOP from preoperative levels was evident at the end of the follow-up. The overall surgical success rate was 57.15%. On the basis of Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, we found that patients whose IOP on the following day of the procedure was <8 mm Hg had a higher success rate than those whose 1-day postoperative IOP was higher. These patients had a percentage of success of 100%, 84.6%, and 76.9% at 1-, 3-, and 6-month postoperative follow-up, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The IOP level on the first postoperative day could be considered a prognostic indicator of success in needling revision performed in failed NPDS.

Safety and Efficacy of Bleb Needling with Antimetabolite after Trabeculectomy Failure in Glaucoma Patients: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Bleb needling with subconjunctival injection of antimetabolites had become a widely accepted approach for trabeculectomy failure. However, IOP reduction effects, success rates, and complications occurrence for this procedure showed great inconsistency among the different studies.

Methods

We conducted a literature search on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. A random-effects model was performed on the extracted data based on the included studies. The intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of antiglaucomatous medications before and after the surgery were pooled for meta-analysis. The success and complication rates were estimated based on the results. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and metaregression were applied to explore the origination of heterogeneity.

Results

Thirty-seven studies with a total of 2182 patients were finally included in our review. For the present meta-analysis, the overall effects of bleb needling at the last visit revealed a reduction in IOP of 9.74 mmHg (95% confidence interval (CI) [8.85, 10.63]), 45.9% (95% CI [39.0%, 53.0%]) for complete success rate, and 70.4% (95% CI [63.5%, 77.0%]) for qualified success rate. Application of mitomycin C (MMC) and 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) during the procedure were efficacious for IOP control during the follow-up. Metaregression revealed that possible origination of heterogeneity was baseline IOP before bleb needling, revealing a trend that higher baseline IOP correlated with a greater IOP reduction results (p < 0.001). For safety profile, conjunctival haemorrhage (5.7%, 95% CI [2.5%, 10.1%]), hyphema (5.5%, 95% CI [3.0%, 8.7%]), and bleb leakage (5.0%, 95% CI [3.2%, 7.3%]) had the highest estimate of incidence. An increasing number of needling was the main risk factor for needling failure.

Conclusion

Bleb needling with antimetabolites could be considered an effective and safe procedure after trabeculectomy failure. After the process, patients will gain IOP control and reduce antiglaucomatous medications for at least six months with 5-Fu or MMC. Meanwhile, the overall estimates for complications were relatively low in the whole process.

Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Bleb Needle Revision With and Without 5-Fluorouracil for Failing Trabeculectomy Bleb

PRéCIS:: Bleb needle revision with and without 5-FU showed similar success rates over the course of a long-term follow-up. A greater total number of needle revisions was identified as a risk factor for procedural failure.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of bleb needle revision with adjunctive 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) subconjunctival injection in large-scaled patients with failing trabeculectomy bleb.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on a total of 113 eyes of 106 subjects who had undergone trabeculectomy followed by needle revision and been followed up for at least 6 months. The subjects were divided into 2 groups according to whether they had also undergone concurrent adjunctive 5-FU subconjunctival injection. Two definitions of failure were derived irrespective of IOP-lowering medication use and were assessed at each follow-up visit: (1) IOP>21 mm Hg or >85% of preoperative IOP or reoperation for glaucoma, (2) IOP>18 mm Hg or >80% of preoperative IOP or reoperation for glaucoma.

RESULTS

A total of 78 eyes of 73 subjects underwent the simple needle revision procedure and 35 eyes of 33 subjects underwent needle revision with subconjunctival 5-FU injection. There was no significant adverse event for either group and no significant IOP difference in any of the observational periods between them (P=0.867). There was also no statistically significant difference in the total number of IOP-lowering medications between the groups (P=0.199). The success rate at 24 months after the first needle revision was 45.6% (95% CI: 33.7, 56.7) in simple revision group and 44.6% (95% CI: 27.7, 60.2) in 5-FU needle revision group by failure 1, 36.3% (95% CI: 25.4, 47.2) and 32.9% (95% CI: 18.0, 48.6) by failure 2, respectively. A greater total number of needle revisions was the significant risk factors for needle revision failure (HR=2.25 and P=0.001 according to failure 2).

CONCLUSIONS

Bleb needle revision with 5-FU subconjunctival injection is a safe procedure for failing trabeculectomy bleb. Bleb needle revision with and without 5-FU were equally likely to succeed.

Needling With 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) After XEN Gel Stent Implantation: 6-Month Outcomes

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate frequency, safety, and efficacy of needling in patients that underwent XEN Gel Stent implantation.

METHODS

Retrospective case review of 19 eyes of 57 consecutive patients (61 eyes) with primary open-angle glaucoma or pseudoexfoliative glaucoma that previously underwent implantation of XEN45 alone or in combination with cataract surgery followed by needling procedure with 5-FU. Success was defined at 2 IOP levels: ≤21 mm Hg and ≤15 mm Hg, with or without additional glaucoma medications. Treatment failure was defined as IOP>21 mm Hg or <5 mm Hg, need for additional glaucoma surgery or loss of light perception.

RESULTS

Totally 19 of 61 eyes that underwent XEN gel implantation had subsequent needling and were included. Preneedling IOP was 26.2±9.5 and postneedling IOP at last follow-up 15.4±3.7 mm Hg (P=0.0001). Overall success rates of 17 (90%) and 13 eyes (69%) were observed at the ≤21 mm Hg and ≤15 mm Hg level, respectively. Preneedling and postneedling visual acuity and number of medications remained unchanged (P>0.05). Two eyes (10%) were categorized as treatment failures. No major complications occurred. Mean follow-up was 203.8±142.2 (range, 22 to 456) days.

CONCLUSIONS

Needling revision following XEN gel stent implantation showed a good IOP-lowering effect without significant increase in number of antiglaucoma medications, decrease in visual acuity, nor any major complications. Further studies with long-term follow-up and a larger number of patients are needed to fully assess the safety and efficacy of this procedure.

Outcomes of Wider Area Bleb Revision Using Bleb Knife With Adjunctive Mitomycin C

PRECIS

Wider area bleb revision using bleb knife with adjunctive mitomycin C (MMC) had a good success rate, according to strict success criteria, except in patients with neovascular glaucoma (NVG).

PURPOSE

We determined the efficacy of wider area bleb revision after filtering surgery using bleb knife with adjunctive MMC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this retrospective single-center study, we analyzed 86 patients with glaucoma (46 primary open-angle, 18 exfoliations, 13 secondary, and 9 neovascular) after bleb revision using bleb knife with adjunctive MMC after a minimum follow-up of 6 months. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed. The main outcome measure was a successful initial bleb revision using bleb knife with adjunctive MMC, arbitrarily defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) control <15 mm Hg without any IOP-lowering medication, additional bleb revision, or glaucoma surgery.

RESULTS

The mean time since the initial filtering surgery was 243.8 days, and the mean prebleb revision IOP was 22.0±4.8 mm Hg. The total cumulative success rate of the bleb revision using bleb knife with MMC was 49% at 6 months and 30% at 1 year. Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma had the best success rate (64% at 6 mo and 40% at 1 y). Log-rank tests revealed that patients with NVG had the worst prognosis (P<0.01). NVG was the only significant risk factor identified for short survival time (odds ratio, 167.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.78-15620.44; P=0.027).

CONCLUSION

Wider area bleb revision using bleb knife with adjunctive MMC had a good success rate, according to strict success criteria, except in patients with NVG.

Bleb Needling with Mitomycin C as Adjunctive Therapy in Failing Blebs: A Retrospective Study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effects and complications related to use of mitomycin C (MMC) as an adjunctive therapy in bleb needling.

METHODS

Retrospective review of the records of patients affected by open-angle glaucoma who underwent a bleb revision as a treatment for failed trabeculectomy. All subjects underwent surgery with a fornix-based approach to incision. Full baseline data for each patient included a comprehensive ocular and medical history, the patient's Snellen visual acuity test results, and Goldmann applanation tonometry test results. Data were reported following observations occurring at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 months. In addition, the number and timing of needling with or without MMC subconjunctival injections and any short- and long-term complications were observed.

RESULTS

We included 101 patients, 56 (55.4%) male and 45 (44.6%) female. The mean age was 69.81 ± 16.19 years (range 28-92). Statistically significant effects of needling and needling and MMC (p values <0.05) in the decrease in intraocular pressure were observed. Three (2.9%) patients presented hypotony at the last follow-up visit. No other complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Needling bleb revision augmented with the use of MMC appears to be a more useful tool in the management of failing bleb.

Needle revision outcomes after glaucoma filtering surgery: survival analysis and predictive factors

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of needle revision and examine factors predictive of failure.

Methods:

In total, 157 eyes of 131 patients that underwent needle revision augmented with either 5-fluorouracil or betamethasone for trabeculectomy failure were included in this retrospective study. Complete failure was defined as additional glaucoma surgery, ciliodestructive procedures, loss of light perception, sight-threatening complications, hypotony maculopathy, and surgical bleb revision. Success was defined as intraocular pressure ⩽ 18 (criterion A), ⩽15 (criterion B), and ⩽12 mmHg (criterion C) reached with (qualified) or without (complete) medications, and absence of any criteria of complete failure.

Results:

The median (interquartile range) follow-up was 25.0 (41.0) months. Complete failure rates were 19%, 26%, and 31% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. For criterion A, qualified and complete success rates were, respectively, 77% and 69% at 1 year, 66% and 51% at 2 years, and 60% and 47% at 3 years. For criterion B, qualified and complete success rates were, respectively, 67% and 61% at 1 year, 48% and 42% at 2 years, and 44% and 39% at 3 years. For criterion C, qualified and complete success rates were, respectively, 43% and 41% at 1 year, 27% and 25% at 2 years, and 24% and 23% at 3 years. High baseline intraocular pressure and primary surgery were associated with higher and lower risks of complete failure, respectively.

Conclusion:

Needle revision is an effective and safe procedure to rescue failing trabeculectomy postponing or avoiding further glaucoma surgery. Eyes with low target intraocular pressure may have poor long-term outcomes.

Smaller-incision Revision of Trabeculectomy With Mitomycin: Long-term Outcomes and Complications

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess long-term outcomes and complications of smaller-incision trabeculectomy revision with mitomycin (MMC) in glaucoma patients.

METHODS

Review of patients undergoing trabeculectomy revision with MMC for inadequate intraocular pressure (IOP) control. After dissection of subconjunctival fibrosis through a smaller (median, 5 mm) incision, MMC was topically applied and episcleral fibrosis was incised. Failure was defined as reoperation for glaucoma, or IOP reduction < 20% over 3 follow up visits.

RESULTS

Forty eyes (40 patients; mean age, 67±13 y) underwent revision; 9 revisions were combined with other surgery. Mean baseline IOP was 20.6±6.2 mm Hg on 2.6±1.4 glaucoma medications after 2.4±1.3 incisional ocular surgeries. At final follow-up (70±34 mo), 27 successful eyes (67.5%) had IOP of 9.2±2.4 mm Hg on 0.6±0.9 medications. Eleven eyes (27.5%) required reoperation for glaucoma, 7 (63%) within 7 months after revision. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of success at years 1, 2, 3, and 5 postoperatively was 77.5%, 72.2%, 69.5%, and 69.5%, respectively. Recovery of visual acuity to within 2 lines of baseline was 1.7±2.4 weeks (median 1). Complications included sustained hypotony (IOP, ≤5 mm Hg) in 2 eyes (1 also with corneal decompensation), 1 eye with wound leak, and 2 eyes with bleb leak (1 requiring surgical repair).

CONCLUSIONS

Smaller-incision trabeculectomy revision with MMC resulted in substantial, sustained IOP reduction in most eyes with poorly functioning filtering blebs, with few serious complications and rapid recovery of baseline visual acuity in most eyes.

Long-term outcome of mitomycin C-augmented needle revision of trabeculectomy blebs for late trabeculectomy failure

OBJECTIVES

To describe the 3-year outcomes of mitomycin C (MMC)-augmented bleb needling procedures following late trabeculectomy failure.

METHODS

A retrospective, observational chart review of 44 eyes that underwent MMC-augmented bleb needling following late trabeculectomy failure. The primary outcome measure was IOP at 3 years post-operatively. Secondary outcome measures were the number of topical glaucoma medications and success rate at 3 years. Success was defined on the basis of IOP (≤21 mmHg and ≥5 mmHg with a reduction of ≥ 20% from pre-operative baseline), need for ocular hypotensive medications, and need for further laser or surgical intervention.

RESULTS

Mean IOP was reduced from 19.8 mmHg preoperatively to 13.9 mmHg (29.5% reduction) at 3 years. By the 3-year time point, 26 eyes (59.1%) had met one or more of the criteria for failure. A lower immediate post-operative IOP was found to be associated with greater likelihood of success.

CONCLUSIONS

Bleb needling augmented with MMC can achieve a significant reduction in IOP in eyes with late trabeculectomy failure. By 3 years however, 59% of eyes were classified as failures, with half requiring further glaucoma surgery or laser. Patients undergoing this procedure should therefore be warned of the likelihood of requiring further intervention, and a repeat antimetabolite-augmented trabeculectomy or glaucoma tube shunt surgery in the first instance can be considered instead.

Rescue of failing or failed trabeculectomy blebs with slit-lamp needling and adjunctive mitomycin C in Indian eyes

Purpose:

The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of needling-revision augmented with a high dose of mitomycin C (MMC) in failing or failed blebs after trabeculectomy in Indian eyes.

Methods:

Prospective, noncomparative, interventional study. All patients (>18 years) who had raised intraocular pressure (IOP) following trabeculectomy (>6 weeks and <2 years), who had a flat bleb, bleb encapsulation, and/or required antiglaucoma medication (AGM) for IOP control were eligible for inclusion. MMC was injected subconjunctivally at least ½ hour before the needling procedure was carried out at the slit lamp in the outpatient's clinic.

Results:

Thirty-nine eyes of 38 patients were included. The median follow-up was 20 months and time interval between trabeculectomy and needle revision was 113 days. Initially, in all cases, aqueous flow was re-established with a raised bleb; 7 eyes required repeat needling. IOP decreased from median 24 mmHg (Q1 21, Q3 27, interquartile range [IQR] 6, range 18–35) preneedling to median 14 mmHg (Q1 10, Q3 16, IQR 6, range 6–18) postneedling at last follow-up (P < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.2–13.0). The use of AGM reduced from median 1 (Q1 0, Q3 3, IQR 3, range 0–4) preneedling to median 0 postneedling (P < 0.0001, 95% CI: 1–2). Complete success was seen in 28 eyes (71.8%, 95% CI: 71.1%–96.4%); another 5 eyes (12.8%) were controlled with AGM (qualified success) with overall success of 84.6%. Most complications were transient in nature with resolution within 1 week. One patient developed hypotony, and another developed a late bleb leak.

Conclusion:

Needling revision augmented with high-dose MMC, at the slit lamp, effectively rescues failing or failed filtration, and appears to be safe.

Factors predicting the success of trabeculectomy bleb enhancement with needling

BACKGROUND

Bleb needling is widely used to restore flow and lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in a failing trabeculectomy. We aimed to measure the safety and efficacy of needling in a large cohort and identify factors that were associated with success and failure.

METHODS

This retrospective audit included all patients who underwent needling at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge over a 10-year period. Data were available on 91 patients (98% of patients identified), including 191 needlings on 96 eyes. Success was defined as IOP below 21 mm Hg or 16 mm Hg or 13 mm Hg consistently, without reoperation or glaucoma medication. Risk factors for failure were assessed by Cox proportional hazard regression and Kaplan-Meier curves.

RESULTS

Success defined as IOP <16 mm Hg was 66.6% at 12 months and 53% at 3 years and success defined as IOP <21 mm Hg was 77.1% at 12 months and 73.1% at 3 years. Failure after needling was most common in the first 6 months. Factors that predicted failure were flat or fibrotic blebs (non-functional) and no longer injected, while success was predicted by achieving a low IOP immediately after needling. No significant complications were identified.

CONCLUSION

Needling was most successful soon after trabeculectomy, but resuscitation of a long-failed trabeculectomy had lower likelihood of success. The safety and efficacy compare favourably with alternative treatment approaches.

Revision of trabeculectomy filtering blebs with mitomycin C: Long term results

Aim:

The aim of the study is to assess the outcomes of transconjunctival mitomycin C (MMC)-augmented revision in eyes with failed trabeculectomy.

Materials and Methods:

This is a retrospective, noncomparative case series. One hundred and twenty-one eyes of 113 consecutive glaucoma patients with previously failed trabeculectomy who underwent transconjunctival revision with at least 12 months of follow-up were initially included in the study. The success was determined on the basis of intraocular pressure (IOP) alone. The main outcome measures were IOP, best-corrected distance visual acuity, complications, bleb appearance, lens status, visual field progression, and time between primary trabeculectomy and MMC revision. The main purpose of the study was to determine the efficacy of a single MMC-augmented needle revision.

Results:

Mean follow-up was 2.3 years. Twelve months after revision, IOP had declined from 26.1 ± 8.4 mmHg to 14.1 ± 4.8 mmHg (P < 0.05) and remained 16.0 ± 5.6 mmHg at 24 months, 15.7 ± 5.8 mmHg at 48 months, and 15.2 ± 4.0 mmHg at 60 months. Complete success was achieved in 53% of cases, 84% achieved qualified success, and 16% were classified as failures 12 months after revision. Early complications developed in 45 of the initial 121 eyes (37.2%).

Conclusions:

Transconjunctival MMC-augmented revision appears to be a safe and useful tool in reducing IOP and re-establishing filtration after trabeculectomy failure. This simple procedure has a high rate of success and helps avoid other surgical interventions which are more destructive for the conjunctiva.

Use of subconjunctival injections of 5-fluorouracil to rescue and prolong intraocular pressure reduction for a failing Ahmed glaucoma implant

PURPOSE

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) has been well described for a failing trabeculectomy bleb, but not for aqueous shunts. We sought to determine whether subconjunctival 5-FU prolongs the intraocular pressure (IOP) efficacy of Ahmed shunts.

METHODS

We included all patients with Ahmed FP-7 implantation by one surgeon at Yale University. Patients with <3 months follow-up were excluded. Injections were done on a case-by-case basis, usually for IOP > 21 on >2 medications. Five-milligram (0.1 cc) injections were made over the plate. The control group consisted of Ahmed FP-7 patients without injections. The main outcome measure was IOP. Secondary outcome was success (IOP <21 mmHg, 20% decrease from preoperative IOP, and no reoperation).

RESULTS

The average age of controls was 72.5 ± 16.6 years, and 63.7 ± 18.8 with 5-FU (p = 0.02). Forty-four patients received 5-FU and 45 did not. Mean preoperative IOP in controls was 31.5 ± 11 mmHg on 3.1 ± 1 medications, and 31.9 ± 9.0 mmHg (p = 0.86) on 3.3 ± 0.9 medications with 5-FU (p = 0.18). At a mean 137 days after surgery, mean pre-injection IOP was 25.3 ± 7.7 mmHg on 2.0 ± 1.3 medications. Five years following implantation, control IOPs averaged 12.9 ± 7.1 mmHg (53% decrease from preoperative IOP, p < 0.001) on 1.4 ± 1.1 medications versus 17.2 ± 4.9 mmHg (46% decrease from preoperative, 32% decrease from pre-5FU IOP, p < 0.001) on 2.7 ± 0.8 medications with 5-FU. The IOP at 5 years was statistically similar in both groups (p = 0.23). Five-year success rates trended higher with 5-FU (77 vs. 67%, p = 0.38).

CONCLUSIONS

Subconjunctival injection of 5-FU sustained a significant long-term decline in intraocular pressures in eyes with failing Ahmed shunts. Outcomes between eyes receiving injections and controls were statistically similar.

The relationship of bleb morphology and the outcome of needle revision with 5-fluorouracil in failing filtering bleb

To investigate the risk factors for failure of needling revision with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and to identify the correlation of outcomes of needling revision and the morphological features of dysfunctional filtration blebs using Moorfields bleb grading system.This retrospective, nonrandomized, comparative case-control study included 41 consecutive patients (41 eyes) who underwent 5-FU needling revision for failed or failing filtration blebs between July 2012 and August 2014 in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, a referral center in Taiwan. The main outcome measures were the bleb survival and the correlation factors of bleb morphology before revision. The secondary outcome measure was the identification of any study factor associated with bleb failure.Forty-one eyes of 41 patients were included in this study. The most frequent glaucoma diagnoses were 10 cases (24%) of neovascular glaucoma and 8 cases (19%) of chronic open-angle glaucoma. Survival of bleb at 6, 12, and 24 months was 42%, 39%, and 23%. Fourteen cases (34%) maintained overall success at the last follow-up, with an average follow-up of 22.7 ± 9.4 months (range: 12-48 months). The central bleb area and height were significantly different between the successful needling group and the failed needling group (P = 0.03 and 0.04, respectively). Further trend test confirmed that smaller central bleb extension and flatter height were associated with a higher chance of failure (P = 0.02 and 0.02, respectively). Time from initial trabeculectomy to needling of less than 4 months and higher intraocular pressure (IOP) in the first postoperative week also led to significantly higher risk for failure (P = 0.01 and 0.03, respectively).A small central area and the flat height of dysfunctional blebs were more likely to fail after the needle revision. Cautious case selections, taking account of the time from the initial filtering surgery and postoperative IOP, may improve the surgical outcome.

Outcomes of Bleb Revision With Mitomycin C After Ex-PRESS Shunt Surgery

PURPOSE

Investigate efficacy and safety of bleb revision using mitomycin C after Ex-PRESS shunt surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed chart reviews of 36 consecutive eyes from 34 patients with previous Ex-PRESS shunt surgery who underwent subsequent bleb revision with mitomycin C. The mean follow-up time was 13.5 months. The primary outcome measure was surgical success. Secondary outcomes included visual acuity, intraocular pressure, number of medications, and complications.

RESULTS

Twenty-four eyes had open-angle glaucoma (61.1%). Mean time from Ex-PRESS to bleb revision was 8.8 months. Complete success rate for the immediate 3-month postoperative period was 94.4% and qualified success rate was 97.2%. Complete and qualified success rates for the entire follow-up period were 40% and 65.7%, respectively. Visual acuity remained stable throughout the study period, and at 1 year, average intraocular pressure was 14.7 mm Hg on an average of 1.7 medications. No major complications were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Bleb revision in eyes with an Ex-PRESS shunt is a safe and efficacious procedure. The surgical outcomes are within the range of published outcomes for bleb needling after trabeculectomy. Further research with larger sample size and longer follow-up is needed to confirm these results.

Outcomes: Trabeculectomy Bleb Needle Revision With 5-Fluorouracil

PURPOSE

To evaluate outcomes of trabeculectomy bleb needle revision with 5-fluorouracil augmentation performed in the operating theater.

METHODS

Retrospective study of all patients undergoing trabeculectomy bleb needle revisions in the operating theater performed by a single surgeon in a metropolitan hospital in Australia. A total of 51 needle revisions were performed on 33 eyes over a mean follow-up time of 1.81±1.56 years.

RESULTS

A total of 29% achieved intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤20 mm Hg off all glaucoma medications, and an additional 39% achieved qualified success with the addition of glaucoma medications, giving overall success of 68%. Analyzing success rate for target IOP≤16 mm Hg, 24% achieved target off all glaucoma medications, 35% achieved qualified success with the addition of glaucoma medications, giving an overall success rate of 59%. There was a statistically significant improvement in IOP, as compared with preoperative levels, at all timepoints postoperatively (P<0.05). However, number of glaucoma medications remained unchanged (P>0.05) contributing to the high percentage of qualified successes. Visual acuity remained unchanged and there were no major postoperative complications. The Kaplan-Meier survival shows a survival rate of 60% with IOP≤20 mm Hg and 40% for IOP≤16 mm Hg at 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Trabeculectomy needle revision is a useful option for the management of elevated IOP in the presence of a failed or failing trabeculectomy bleb. However, as with trabeculectomy, there tends to be a failure rate over time. This often leads to reinstitution of glaucoma medications and/or further needle revisions to maintain IOPs at target level. The procedure itself is minimally invasive with an acceptable safety profile.

Comparison of Subconjunctival Mitomycin C and 5-Fluorouracil Injection for Needle Revision of Early Failed Trabeculectomy Blebs

Background. To compare the efficacy of needle revision with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and mitomycin C (MMC) on dysfunctional filtration blebs shortly after trabeculectomy. Methods. It is a prospective randomized study comparing needle revision augmented with MMC or 5-FU for failed trabeculectomy blebs. Results. To date 71 patients (75 eyes) have been enrolled, 40 eyes in the MMC group and 35 in the 5-FU group. 68 patients (72 eyes) have completed 12-month follow-up, 38 eyes in the MMC group and 34 in the 5-FU group. The mean IOP before and that after needle revision in the MMC group were 26.5 ± 4.3 mmHg and 11.3 ± 3.4 mmHg, respectively (P < 0.05), and in the 5-FU group were 27.1 ± 3.8 mmHg and 10.9 ± 3.4 mmHg, respectively (P < 0.05). At 12-month follow-up, complete success rates were 57.5% for MMC group and 34.3% for 5-FU group (P = 0.042; log-rank test) and 75% and 60% (P = 0.145; log-rank test), respectively, for the qualified success. Complication rates between the two groups were not statistically different (P > 0.05). Conclusions. Needle revision and subconjunctival MMC injection were more effective than needling and subconjunctival 5-FU injection for early dysfunctional filtration blebs after trabeculectomies.

Bleb needling outcomes for failed trabeculectomy blebs in Asian eyes: a 2-year follow up

AIM

To describe the outcomes of bleb needling in primary glaucoma in an Asian tertiary eye centre over a 2y period. To compare the success rates between primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Lastly, to identify factors associated with success of bleb needling.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of 227 patients who underwent bleb needling between June 2009 and June 2011 in Singapore National Eye Centre. The 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) augmented bleb needling was performed either at the slit lamp or in the operating theatre. Repeat bleb needlings were performed as necessary. Complete success was defined as maintenance of intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥6 mm Hg and ≤21 mm Hg, in the absence of further surgery or use of antiglaucoma medication. Qualified success met the above criteria with or without use of antiglaucoma medications.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy-five eyes completed the two-year follow up. Sixty-nine percent of participants had POAG and 31% had PACG. The mean interval between filtering surgery and bleb needling was 299.9±616.4d for POAG and 167.1±272.2d for PACG. Mean needling attempts were 1.9±1.4 and 2±1.6 for POAG and PACG respectively. In general, there was a statistically significant reduction of IOP ranging from 21.9% to 26.8% from month 1 through to month 24. The complete success rates at month 6 were 70.0% for POAG and 65.7% for PACG. At month 12, this decreased to 62.2% for POAG and PACG and at month 24, 57.9% for POAG and 63.0% for PACG respectively. The qualified success rates at month 6 for POAG and PACG were 23.8% and 29.9% respectively, 32.2% and 29.2% at month 12, and 34.7% and 29.6% at month 24. The success rates between POAG and PACG were not significantly different (P>0.05 for complete and qualified success at months 6, 12 and 24). An increased number of needlings and higher pre-needling IOP were associated with failure.

CONCLUSION

The 5-FU augmented bleb needling within one year of trabeculectomy in Asian eyes can provide clinically significant IOP lowering of more than 20% for 2y. POAG and PACG had similar complete success rates (58% and 63% respectively). Factors associated with greater risk of procedure failure included increased number of needlings and higher pre-needling IOP. Asian eyes have a greater propensity for scarring but bleb needling, if performed in a timely manner can rescue bleb function.

Correlation between Intraocular Pressure Fluctuation with Postural Change and Postoperative Intraocular Pressure in Relation to the Time Course after Trabeculectomy

Background. To investigate the correlation between intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuation with postural change and IOP in relation to the time course after trabeculectomy. Methods. A total of 29 patients who had previously undergone primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C were examined. IOP was obtained at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months and then every 6 months postoperatively. Results. The postural IOP difference before surgery was 3.0 ± 1.8 mmHg, which was reduced to 0.9 ± 1.1 mmHg at 1 month, 1.0 ± 1.0 mmHg at 2 months, 1.3 ± 2.0 mmHg at 3 months, 1.3 ± 1.4 mmHg at 6 months, 1.4 ± 1.5 mmHg at 12 months, and 1.1 ± 0.7 mmHg at 18 months after trabeculectomy (P < 0.01 each visit). The filtering surgery failed in 7 out of 29 eyes. Postural IOP changes were less than 3 mmHg in those patients who did not require needle revision at every visit. However, in patients who did require needle revision, the increase in the posture-induced IOP was greater than 3 mmHg prior to the increase in the sitting position IOP. Conclusions. Assessment of postural IOP changes after trabeculectomy might be potentially useful for predicting IOP changes after trabeculectomy.

Early transconjunctival needling revision with 5-fluorouracil versus medical treatment in encapsulated blebs: a 12-month prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of transconjunctival needling revision with 5-fluorouracil versus medical treatment in glaucomatous eyes with uncontrolled intraocular pressure due to encapsulated bleb after trabeculectomy.

METHODS

Prospective, randomized, interventional study. A total of 40 eyes in 39 patients with elevated intraocular pressure and encapsulated blebs diagnosed at a maximum five months after primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C were included. The eyes were randomized to either transconjunctival needling revision with 5- fluorouracil or medical treatment (hypotensive eyedrops). A maximum of two transconjunctival needling revisions per patient was allowed in the needling arm. All patients underwent follow-up for 12 months. Successful treatment was defined as an intraocular pressure ≤ 18 mmHg and a 20% reduction from baseline at the final follow-up. Clinicaltrial.gov: NCT01887223.

RESULTS

Mean intraocular pressure at the final 12-month follow-up was lower in the transconjunctival needling revision group compared to the medical treatment group. Similar numbers of eyes reached the criteria for treatment success in both the transconjunctival needling revision group and the medical treatment group.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite similar success rates in eyes randomized to transconjunctival needling revision with 5-fluorouracil compared to eyes receiving medical treatment, there was a significantly lower mean intraocular pressure at 12 months after transconjunctival needling revision.

Office-based slit-lamp needle revision with adjunctive mitomycin-C for late failed or encapsulated filtering blebs

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to assess the results of bleb needling in glaucomatous patients with late failed filtering blebs.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective case series of 27 eyes of 27 patients was considered. All patients underwent needle bleb revision with adjuvant mitomycin-C performed at the slit lamp, during an office visit. Complete success was defined as postneedling intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤ 21 mmHg without any antiglaucoma medications and qualified success was IOP ≤ 21 mmHg with topical antiglaucoma medications.

Results:

There were 12 eyes with encapsulated blebs and 15 eyes with flat blebs. The mean interval between index filtering surgery and bleb revision was 32.74 ± 15.36 months. Mean IOP was 25.07 ± 4.80 mmHg before surgery and 19.66 ± 4.97 mmHg at last postoperative follow-up. The mean follow-up was 20.31 ± 15.63 months. Complete and qualified successes were 7.4% and 51.9%, respectively. Cumulative rates of success at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years were 76%, 65%, 49%, and 37%, respectively. The mean number of antiglaucoma medications was reduced from 3.15 ± 0.36 preoperatively to 2.33 ± 1.21 postoperatively (P<0.001).

Conclusion:

Slit-lamp needle revision in office is a simple and effective method for treating late encapsulated or flat filtering blebs without significant complications even for late bleb failure.

Expanded indications for transconjunctival trabeculectomy flap suturing: postoperative choroidal effusion and dysesthesia

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of transconjunctival trabeculectomy flap suturing (TTFS) in improving choroidal effusions and bleb dysesthesia resulting from overfiltration after trabeculectomy.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

PARTICIPANTS

The study involved 15 eyes of 15 patients.

METHODS

Patients underwent TTFS for choroidal effusions and bleb dysesthesia following trabeculectomy using mitomycin C. The scleral flap was sutured through the conjunctiva as an outpatient clinic procedure.

RESULTS

There were 11 patients who had choroidal effusions and 4 patients were identified with dysesthesia. The average duration of choroidal effusion prior to TTFS was 2.1 ± 2.3 months and 3 ± 2 months in the dysesthesia group. At the final follow-up (25 ± 17 months) the mean intraocular pressure improved from 4.1 ± 2.1 mm Hg before suturing to 8.1 ± 3.6 mm Hg (p < 0.007) for the patients with choroidal effusion and from 4.2 ± 0.6 mm Hg to 8. 7 ± 3.5 mm Hg (p = 0.05) for the patients with dysesthesia. In both groups, resolution of the signs and symptoms was achieved in all cases. The mean time to resolution of choroidal effusions was 5.5 ± 8.6 weeks and the mean time to resolution of dysesthesia was 2 ± 0.8 weeks. None of the patients had serious complications such as failure of the trabeculectomy or visual loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Transconjunctival suturing of the trabeculectomy scleral flap is a simple and effective surgical method for the treatment of cases of choroidal effusions or dysesthesia resulting from trabeculectomy.

Five-year results of 5-fluorouracil augmented needling revision of failing blebs

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To report the 5-year intraocular pressure (IOP) outcomes of patients requiring a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) needling revision compared to a matched sample.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty eyes receiving 5-FU bleb needling revision were matched to 40 patients not needled. IOP was recorded preoperatively and annually to 5 years. The main outcome measure was surgical success: IOP control without medications or surgery.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients with 5-FU needling revision (80.0%) required anti-glaucoma medication postoperatively versus 28 control patients (70%) (P > .05). Thirty-two patients with 5-FU needling revision were complete or qualified successes compared to 36 control patients (P = .34). Eight patients with 5-FU needling revision (20%) had a reoperation versus 4 control patients (10%) (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

5-FU needling revision can produce long-term IOP control levels similar to those who did not require the procedure. No statistically significant differences between the two groups was seen in either the use of medications or further surgery.

Needling augmented with topical application of mitomycin C for management of bleb failure

PURPOSE

To study the effect of topical application of mitomycin C on enhancing the efficacy of needling in the management of bleb failure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-six eyes of 32 consecutive patients with an intraocular pressure over 21 mmHg, without bleb or with a thick, flat bleb after the second postoperative month after trabeculectomy, were included in the study. Needling with mitomycin C was performed in the other 18 eyes with bleb failure (group A) and needling without antimetabolite was performed in 18 eyes (group B). Topical application of mitomycin C (0.4 mg/mL) with a microsponge over the conjunctiva at the failed bleb for 5 minutes (group A) was performed; after irrigation, the needling procedure was the same in both groups. A 30-gauge needle was used to perforate the area of subconjunctival and subscleral fibrosis and to reestablish flow; conjunctival puncture was at least 7 mm away from the bleb and no sutures were taken after needling. Follow-up was performed for 1 year after needling.

RESULTS

Overall, 55 needling procedures were performed; needling was done twice in 17 eyes in group B, whereas only 2 eyes needed more than 1 needling procedure in group A. The difference was statistically highly significant, and the mean follow-up was 8.9 ± 3.7 months. Mean intraocular pressure was 28.9 ± 4.2 mm Hg and 27.8 ± 4.7 mm Hg in group A and group B respectively before any intervention; this decreased to a mean of 19.8 ± 2.7 mm Hg and 20.5 ± 4.8 mm Hg respectively without medication after 6 months of last needling. Complications included diffuse corneal punctate epitheliopathy lasting for 2 to 3 weeks (2 eyes in group A), subconjunctival hemorrhage (3 eyes in each group), and hyphema (2 eyes in each group).

CONCLUSIONS

Topical application of mitomycin C with needle revision seems to be an extremely effective way to revive failed filtration surgery. The incidence of complications related to mitomycin C was minimal.

Use of Ultrasound Biomicroscopy to Predict Long-Term Outcome of Sub-Tenon Needle Revision of Failed Trabeculectomy Blebs: A Pilot Study

Purpose.

To evaluate the role of ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in predicting the long-term outcome of sub-Tenon needling revision of failed trabeculectomy blebs.

Methods.

Adult patients with a failed trabeculectomy bleb and unsatisfactory intraocular pressure (IOP) control were recruited. The aqueous flow under the partial thickness scleral flap was looked for and the blebs classified on UBM as scleral route patent (SRP) or scleral route occluded (SRO). All blebs underwent needling revision with injection of 5 mg/0.1 mL 5-fluorouracil. Survival of the revision procedure at the end of 2 years follow-up with regards to the baseline UBM characterization of the bleb was noted. Successful outcome was defined as IOP <22.0 mmHg and/or 30% reduction of baseline IOP with or without medication.

Results.

A total of 13 eyes had SRP and 5 eyes had SRO blebs on UBM. Only SRP blebs survived the needling procedure by the end of 2 years. Of the 13 SRP blebs, 10 blebs survived (76.9%). Needling had failed in all 5 SRO blebs. The overall success rate was 55.6 % at 2 years. There was no difference in age, IOP, and time from initial trabeculectomy between the failed and successful group. The outcome correlated significantly to the patency of the scleral route assessed by UBM (p=0.07).

Conclusions.

Ultrasound biomicroscopy characterization of failed blebs appears to help in predicting the outcome of needle revision. In SRO blebs, it may be better to plan a full bleb revision rather than needling alone. Ultrasound biomicroscopy may help in avoiding an unnecessary needling procedure in SRO blebs where it is likely to fail.

Single needle revision of failing filtration blebs: a retrospective comparative case series with 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C

PURPOSE

To assess the success of needling in failed filtration blebs and the potential benefit of using either 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or mitomycin C (MMC).

METHODS

In this retrospective, comparative observational case series, 107 eyes that underwent needle revision with either 5-FU or MMC between July 2003 and May 2008 at Wills Eye Institute were selected. Exclusion criteria included follow-up less than 1 month and a history of glaucoma drainage device. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of glaucoma medications were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. Success was defined as >20% decrease in IOP if glaucoma medications were resumed or <10% decrease in IOP if medications were not resumed post needling or fewer medications than pre needling.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients received 5-FU and 42 patients received MMC for needling. Mean IOP changed from 23.9 mmHg to 13.8 mmHg in the MMC group and from 23.3 mmHg to 13.02 mmHg in the 5-FU group (both p<0.001). Mean glaucoma medications changed from 1.7 to 0.7 in the MMC group and 2.0 to 0.8 in the 5-FU group (both p<0.001) at the end of follow-up. After a mean follow-up of 14.5 months, overall survival was 49.5%. Mean time to failure was 7.7 months. There was a moderately weak association between survival and the immediate postoperative IOP (r=0.262, p=0.01). In comparing MMC and 5-FU, there was no statistically significant difference in survival rate (p=0.267).

CONCLUSIONS

Bleb needling may be a safe and effective means of prolonging bleb survival. The only factor associated with success was the immediate postoperative IOP. There was no apparent difference between the use of 5-FU and MMC in this population. A prospective study may provide further confirmation of this finding.

Long-term outcomes of needle revision of trabeculectomy blebs with mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil: a comparative safety and efficacy report

PURPOSE

To report the long-term comparative outcomes for needle revision with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and mitomycin C (MMC) of failed trabeculectomy blebs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective database search was made for all patients who had needle revision with subconjunctival antimetabolite injections on the slit lamp from August 2001 to April 2006. Needle revisions were augmented with MMC instead of 5-FU from December 2003. Ninety-eight eyes of 95 consecutive patients (45 with MMC and 53 with 5-FU) with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were included. 5-FU (5 mg) or MMC (0.02 mg), with 0.1 mL of 2% lignocaine was injected subconjunctivally at least 10 minutes before the revision procedure in the clinic. No patient from the MMC group received subsequent 5-FU injections.

RESULTS

The 5-FU group had significantly longer mean follow-ups (P<0.001) of 53.0+/-18.12 months compared with 33.3+/-9.0 months in the MMC group. The 5-FU group had a significantly higher number of needle revisions than MMC group (1.9+/-1.0 vs. 1.2+/-0.5, P=0.001). Twenty-five eyes (47%) of the 5-FU group and 36 eyes (80%) of the MMC group had a single needle revision (P=0.009). The probability of maintaining intraocular pressure between 5 and 16 mm Hg with no glaucoma medication or further surgical procedure was 71% (62%-88%) and 45% (33%-60%) at 1 year and 61% (49%-78%) and 30% (20%-46%) at 2 years in the MMC and 5-FU groups, respectively. MMC use (hazard ratio=2.18, 95% confidence interval, 1.25-3.81, P=0.006) and intraocular pressure drop immediately after needling as a continuous variable (hazard ratio=1.06, 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.13.8, P=0.03) were significantly associated with success. Twelve eyes (22.6%) with failed 5-FU needling had subsequent MMC needle revisions, 5 of which were successful by the study criterion. Eyes with 5-FU needle revision were more likely to fail within the first 6 months (P=0.02). Serious complications included blebitis in 3 (5.7%) and 1 (2.2%), delayed bleb leaks in 9 (17.0%) and 1 (2.2%) eyes in the 5-FU and MMC groups, respectively. There was no statistical difference in the complication rates between the groups. Aqueous misdirection was observed in 1 (2.2%) eye of MMC group and delayed suprachoroidal hemorrhage in 1 (1.9%) eye of 5-FU group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that MMC is more effective than 5-FU for needle revision of failed trabeculectomy blebs.

Cataract Surgery After Needling Revision of Trabeculectomy Blebs

PURPOSE

To assess the effect of cataract surgery on trabeculectomy blebs that have previously had successful needling revision.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective controlled study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cohort of patients undergoing needling of a poorly functioning trabeculectomy bleb was collected. From this cohort a group having had a successful needling outcome who subsequently underwent uneventful phacoemulsification was identified. Each member of this phacoemulsification group was matched with 2 controls from the cohort who had also had success from needling but who had not undergone cataract surgery. Survival analysis was performed using the date of cataract surgery as the entry time for the phacoemulsification group. For controls the entry time was the date of needling adjusted by subtracting the time between needling and cataract surgery of the matched phacoemulsification group subject. In this way an identical period had elapsed between needling and entry time for both phacoemulsification group and controls. Survival depended on (a) intraocular pressure (IOP) < or =21 mm Hg and (b) IOP <80% of preneedling IOP, on the same or fewer glaucoma drops and without further glaucoma surgery.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients were included. Intervals from trabeculectomy to needling, needling to phacoemulsification, and from phacoemulsification to final follow-up ranged from 1 to 320, 4 to 15, and 5 to 19 months, respectively. Mean survival for the phacoemulsification group was 34.4 weeks and 190.0 for controls [hazard ratio 8.1 (95% confidence interval: 2.8-23.9) (log rank P<0.0001)]. Survival at final follow-up was 4/15 and 25/30 for cases and controls, respectively (chi2 P=0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

Previously successful bleb needling can be significantly compromised by subsequent cataract surgery.

Surgical Revision of Failed Filtration Surgery With Mitomycin C Augmentation

AIM

The aim of the study was to assess the outcomes of surgical revision with reopening of the scleral flap in eyes with failed glaucoma surgery and adjunctive mitomycin C (MMC).

METHODS

Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. Fifty-four eyes of 54 consecutive patients with previously failed trabeculectomy or deep sclerectomy who underwent formal surgical revision (23 with concurrent phacoemulsification) were included. MMC, 0.2 mg/mL for 2 to 3 minutes, was applied under a fornix-based conjunctival flap. The preexisting scleral flap was dissected open to reestablish filtration.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 39.5+/-10 months. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the probability (with 95% confidence intervals) of maintaining an intraocular pressure (IOP) between 5 and 18 mm Hg and 20% decrease from preoperative IOP was 64% (47% to 76%) with medications and/or needle revision and 38% (26% to 53%) without, 3 years after surgery. Mean IOP before surgery was 23.6+/-7.2 mm Hg and 14.4+/-6.0 three years after surgery (last IOP before further glaucoma procedure carried forward). Needle revision for bleb failure or high IOP was carried out in 23 eyes (42.5%) and further glaucoma surgery in 5 eyes (9.3%). Patients were on an average of 2+/-1.1 glaucoma medications before surgery. At last follow-up, the number of medications had decreased to 0.8+/-1.2 (P<0.000), with 23 eyes (42.5%) requiring medications to control IOP. Significant complications included delayed suprachoroidal hemorrhage (3 eyes, 5.6%), delayed bleb leaks (5 eyes, 9.3%), hypotony (2 eyes, 3.7%), and blebitis (2 eyes, 3.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a progressive increase in IOP with time after surgical revision of failed glaucoma surgery with adjunctive MMC. A significant proportion of eyes will eventually require a needle revision procedure and/or glaucoma medications to further lower IOP. Also, there is a significant incidence of complications associated with this procedure.

[Late needling with 5-fluorouracil when scarring of filtering bleb seems imminent]

BACKGROUND

Evaluation of needling and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) injections more than 4 months after preceding filtration surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Retrospective analysis of 17 eyes in 14 patients who underwent needling of the filtering bleb and administration of 5-FU by injection at least 4 months after trabeculectomy (TE) with mitomycin C (MMC; same surgeon throughout). Complete success was defined as a reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) by >30% from the baseline value without further medication and, in cases of primary open-angle glaucoma, IOP of 18 mmHg. The mean period of follow-up was 8.1 months (3-24 months).

RESULTS

One to four needlings (Ø 1.6) with one to five injections (Ø 3.1) of 5-FU were performed as required according to clinical need an average of 31.3 months (4-108 m) after TE. The mean baseline IOP was 25 mmHg (+/-SD 6.02; median 25 mmHg). After needling and 5-FU injection the mean IOD at the last hospital visit was 13.64 mmHg (+/-SD 5.2, median 13 mmHg; p<0,001). Complete success was achieved in 82.4% of these cases. The mean reduction in IOP was 11.2 mmHg (0-22 mmHg). In the cases with successful outcome (14 of 17 eyes) the mean IOP reduction from baseline was 55%. Three eyes required further treatment. Complications encountered were hyphaema (2 cases), subconjunctival bleeding (1 case) and corneal erosion (3 cases).

CONCLUSION

Late needling and injections of 5-FU can restore filtering bleb function even over 4 months after initial surgery. The high success rate and low incidence of complications together with the simple procedure justify regarding this approach as an alternative that can be used before passing on to more invasive interventions.

Frequency of bleb manipulations after trabeculectomy surgery

AIM

To quantify the type and frequency of postoperative bleb manipulations undertaken after modern glaucoma surgery.

METHODS

Bleb manipulations were recorded after trabeculectomy surgery on 119 consecutive patients with at least 1 year of follow-up. The type of intervention and time after surgery were recorded. Statistical analysis identified success rates at various intraocular pressure (IOP) cut-off definitions and identified factors that increased the risk for bleb manipulation.

RESULTS

In all, 78.2% of trabeculectomies were followed by some form of bleb manipulation. Almost 49% of blebs underwent massage and a similar number required at least one suture removal, 31.1% required at least one 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) injection and 25.2% required at least one needling and 5-FU injection. The median time to the first intervention for massage, suture removal, 5-FU injection, and needling and 5-FU injection were 1, 14, 14 and 43 days, respectively. IOP measurements were higher at all follow-up time points in the intervention group. Failure to achieve specific IOP target pressures was also generally poorer in the 5-FU, and needling and 5-FU intervention groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative intervention is a frequent occurrence after modern glaucoma surgery. This requires intensive postoperative follow-up and is a labour-intensive undertaking. Despite interventions in our group of patients, IOP in the intervention group was always higher than in the group that required no intervention.

Prospective evaluation of preoperative factors associated with successful mitomycin C needling of failed filtration blebs

PURPOSE

To study the long-term effectiveness and factors involved in successful needling of failed filtration blebs with mitomycin C (MMC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective, nonrandomized comparative trial that included 34 consecutive patients (34 eyes) who underwent mitomycin C needling of a failed filtering bleb after trabeculectomy followed by a 0.01 mL injection of mitomycin C (0.2 mg/ml). The success of the needling revision was defined as absolute if the intraocular pressure (IOP) was < 21 mm Hg without antiglaucoma medications and qualified if the IOP was < 21 mm Hg with antiglaucoma medications. Preoperative and perioperative factors were evaluated for an association with postoperative success using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 14.2 +/- 9.8 months. The mean preoperative IOP was 25.5 +/- 4.4 mm Hg, which decreased to 11.1, 13.4, 15.8, 16.7, 14.9, 14.1, 13.9, and 13 on postoperative day 1, postoperative week 1, and after 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months, respectively (P = 0.001 for each comparison). At the final visit, success was absolute in 15 eyes (44.1%) and qualified in 14 eyes (41.2%). The success rates were 90% and 75% at 1 and 2 years, respectively. The success of the needling procedure was highly correlated with glaucoma filtration surgery performed less than 4 months previously (Kaplan-Meier analysis, log-rank test P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Mitomycin C needling revision appears to have a high long-term success rate. Surgery performed less than 4 months previously contributes to the success of the initial mitomycin C needling procedure.

Effects of daunorubicin, mitomycin C, azathioprine and cyclosporin A on human retinal pigmented epithelial, corneal endothelial and conjunctival cell lines

BACKGROUND

We wished to investigate the toxicity of four immunosuppressant and antimetabolic drugs, which are known to influence postoperative wound healing, on three different human ocular cell lines.

METHODS

Acute toxicity to cyclosporin A, azathioprine, mitomicyn C and daunorubicin was assessed in Chang cells by monitoring their uptake of propidium iodide during a 3-h period. Chronic toxicity was assessed by monitoring the proliferation and viability of subconfluent cultures of Chang cells, human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) and retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells after continuous exposure to the drugs for 7 days.

RESULTS

Acute toxicity testing revealed no obvious effects. However, the chronic toxicity tests disclosed a narrow concentration range over which cell proliferation decreased dramatically but calcein metabolism was sustained. Although the three lines reacted similarly to each agent, HCECs were the most vulnerable to daunorubicin and mitomycin. At a daunorubicin concentration of 0.05 microg/ml, a 75% decrease in calcein metabolism (P < 0.001) and a > or = 95% cell loss (P < 0.001) were observed. At a mitomycin concentration of 0.01 mug/ml, cell density decreased by 61% (P < 0.001) without a change in calcein metabolism, but at 0.1 microg/ml, the latter parameter decreased to 12% (P = 0.00014). At this concentration the proliferation of Chang and RPE cells decreased by more than 50%, whilst calcein metabolism was largely sustained. Cyclosporin inhibited cell proliferation moderately at lower concentrations (< 5 microg/ml; P=0.05) and substantially at higher ones, with a corresponding decline in calcein metabolism. Azathioprine induced a profound decrease in both parameters at concentrations above 5 microg/ml.

CONCLUSION

Daunorubicin, cyclosporin and azathioprine could be used to inhibit excessive intraocular scarring after glaucoma and vitreoretinal surgery without overly reducing cell viability. The attributes of immunosuppressants lie in their combined antiproliferative and immunomodulatory effects.

Needle revision of failed filtering blebs using 5-Fluorouracil and a combined ab-externo and ab-interno approach

PURPOSE

To evaluate a surgical technique to revise a failed filtering bleb using subconjunctival 5-Fluorouracil with a combined ab-externo and ab-interno approach.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study is a retrospective review of the outcome of 77 consecutive bleb revisions, with greater than 6-month follow-up, performed by a single glaucoma surgeon (MW). All eyes had previously functioning filtering blebs with currently inadequately controlled intraocular pressures (IOP) prior to the bleb revisions. All surgery was performed in the operating room, using a retrobulbar injection and a microscope. Visco-elastic was injected into the anterior chamber. 5-Fluorouracil (0.1 mL; 50 mg/ml) was infiltrated around the bleb. A 30-gauge needle was used to lyse subconjunctival fibrosis and episcleral scar tissue binding down the scleral flap, and elevate the scleral flap. Through an inferior paracentesis, a cyclodialysis spatula was used to confirm and enlarge the communication with the subconjunctival space. The main outcome measurements were IOP and number of glaucoma medications. A successful outcome was defined as a 20% reduction from baseline IOP and a maximum IOP of 18 mm Hg, with or without medications, and a minimal follow-up of 6 months.

RESULTS

52% of patients achieved success after one revision with an average follow-up of 29.6 +/- 14.4 months. In successful cases, the mean IOP decreased from 22.7 +/- 4.5 mm Hg to 11.3 +/- 3.5 mm Hg and medications were reduced from an average of 2.2 +/- 1.1 to 0.4 +/- 0.7. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis calculated a success of 77% at 1 year, 68% at 2 years, and 58% at 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

In failed filtering blebs, needle revision with 5-Fluorouracil and a combined ab-externo and ab-interno approach results in high success and low complication rates. The outcome of this procedure compares favorably with previously reported revision techniques.

Slit-Lamp Needle Revision of Failed Filtering Blebs Using High-Dose Mitomycin C

PURPOSE

To investigate the efficacy of bleb needle revision with high-dose mitomycin C in reviving failed filtering blebs after 1 year.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed the charts of 44 patients with one eye that had undergone bleb needle revision with a mixture of 0.1 mL of mitomycin (0.4 mg/mL) mixed with 0.1 mL of non-preserved 1% lidocaine. At least 12 months of follow-up were required. A successful bleb needle revision was defined as one that did not require a subsequent needling, glaucoma surgery, or medication to reach an intraocular pressure (IOP) greater than 4 mm Hg but less than 22 mm Hg. A qualified success was defined as a successful bleb needle revision that required subsequent needling or medication.

RESULTS

The bleb needle revision with high-dose mitomycin was a success or qualified success after 12 months in 28 patients or 64% (95% confidence interval, 50% to 78%). The baseline IOP in these patients was 26.7 +/- 8.2 mm Hg (range 15 to 48 mm Hg) using an average of 1.5 +/- 1.5 glaucoma medications. The IOP after 1 year was 13.6 +/- 4.0 (range 6 to 21 mm Hg) with an average of 0.5 +/- 0.8 medications. Of 44 patients, 17 (39%) were successes and 11 (25%) were qualified successes.

CONCLUSION

Bleb needle revision with high-dose MMC was effective in reducing the IOP in 64% of eyes with a failed filtering bleb with minimal long-term complications.