Mitomycin C-Augmented Trabeculectomy Combined With Single-Site Manual Small-Incision Cataract Surgery Through a Tunnel Flap Technique

Modifications to Combined Trabeculectomy and Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery: Outcomes and Adaptability in Resource-constrained Areas

PRECIS

We describe standardization and simplification of classic trabeculectomy combined with manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) to effectively manage the 2 leading and often coexisting causes of blindness and vision impairment in resource-constrained areas.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to describe modifications to trabeculectomy combined with MSICS and report on the outcomes of this technique. The modifications consist of standardization and simplification of the surgical steps.

METHODS

Data obtained from adult patients who underwent described surgical technique at rural eye care centers across 3 Indian states between January 2018 and May 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Complete success was intraocular pressure between 6 and 18 mm Hg without supplementary medication. Qualified success allowed up to 3 topical medication(s). Data are presented as median (first and third quartiles).

RESULTS

We analyzed data of 70 eyes of 70 patients. Ophthalmology fellows performed 27 (38.5%) surgeries, whereas an experienced glaucoma specialist performed 43 (61.4%) surgeries. Patients were 63 (56, 67) years old. The preoperative intraocular pressure was 20 (16, 26) mm Hg on treatment with 3 (2, 3) antiglaucoma medications. Glaucoma was advanced by optic disc structural criteria in 58 (82.8%) eyes. Intraoperative mitomycin C was used in 5 (7.1%) eyes. Follow-up was 12.5 (6, 18) months. At 1 year, complete success (95% confidence interval) achieved was 55% (41-67), whereas qualified success was 83% (68-92) with 0 (0, 1) topical medications. The complete and qualified success rates did not differ between ophthalmology fellows and the glaucoma specialist (P=0.75 and 0.44, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

We present a straightforward, yet effective technique of combined cataract and glaucoma surgery. The technique has a potential for wider applicability, especially in the underserved regions of the world.

Surgical outcome of safe surgery system trabeculectomy combined with cataract extraction

PURPOSE

To determine the efficacy of safe surgery system trabeculectomy combined with manual small incision cataract surgery/phacoemulsification in primary glaucoma coexistent with cataract.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of 105 cases who underwent single-site combined surgery between January 2008 and December 2009. Safe surgery system trabeculectomy with diffuse and posterior application of mitomycin C was performed in all cases. Cataract extraction was done either by Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) or phacoemulsification. Main outcome measures were success rate of trabeculectomy, as determined by four different IOP goals and incidence of postoperative complications. Analysis was performed using R-2.15, and the significance was tested at 5% level.

RESULTS

The minimum follow-up period was 12 months. The overall success rates (with or without medication) when safe surgery system trabeculectomy was combined with MSICS were 91, 70, and 51% for IOP ≤18, ≤15, and ≤12 mm Hg, respectively, and target IOP was achieved in 72% cases. The mean IOP reduction was 43.8% with MSICS and 42.08% with phacoemulsification. The surgical outcome was not significantly different for both techniques. Postoperative complications were infrequent and comparable.

CONCLUSION

The Safe Surgery System Trabeculectomy combined with cataract surgery offers excellent IOP control with minimal postoperative complications. It offers an effective and improved solution for primary glaucoma coexistent with cataract found in developing countries.