Goniosynechialysis using an ophthalmic endoscope and cataract surgery for primary angle-closure glaucoma

Effective treatment for secondary angle-closure glaucoma caused by traumatic lens subluxation: phacoemulsification with capsular-tension-ring implantation combined with ophthalmic endoscope-controlled goniosynechialysis

AIM

To investigate the safety and efficacy of phacoemulsification with capsular-tension-ring implantation and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation combined with ophthalmic endoscope-controlled goniosynechialysis (Phaco-CTR-IOL-OE-GSL) for treating secondary angle-closure glaucoma induced by traumatic lens subluxation.

METHODS

A retrospective and descriptive study was performed on patients with lens subluxation, angle closure, goniosynechia, and evaluated intraocular pressure (IOP) that cannot be controlled with medication, who underwent Phaco-CTR-IOL-OE-GSL. The postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), IOP, range of goniosynechia and complications were retrospectively observed.

RESULTS

Nine patients with secondary angle-closure glaucoma induced by traumatic lens subluxation were included. The follow-up period was 51.1±8.6mo. The preoperative range of zonule rupture was 158.2°±33.0°, and the range of goniosynechia was 220.0°±92.5°. The baseline BCVA was 0.9±1.0 logMAR, IOP was 30.7±17.3 mm Hg, and number of anti-glaucoma medication was 3.2±1.1. Mild intraoperative hyphaemia with 8 eyes (88.8%) in the anterior chamber, and was absorbed two days postoperatively. One eye (11.1%) had postoperative ciliary body detachment and was recovered after five days of topical drug treatment. BCVA was 0.2±0.2 logMAR at 3mo postoperatively. The average IOP at the last follow-up was 16.7±2.0 mm Hg, and no anti-glaucoma medications were used. The average range of recurrent goniosynechia was 54.9°±33° at the final postoperative gonioscopic examination.

CONCLUSION

Phaco-CTR-IOL-OE-GSL is safe and effective in the treatment of secondary angle-closure glaucoma induced by traumatic lens subluxation. The use of an endoscope provides a more direct and clear examination for GSL, and 360° dissection is easily achieved.

A Review of Robotic and OCT-Aided Systems for Vitreoretinal Surgery

The introduction of the intraocular vitrectomy instrument by Machemer et al. has led to remarkable advancements in vitreoretinal surgery enabling the limitations of human physiologic capabilities to be reached. To overcome the barriers of perception, tremor, and dexterity, robotic technologies have been investigated with current advancements nearing the feasibility for clinical use. There are four categories of robotic systems that have emerged through the research: (1) handheld instruments with intrinsic robotic assistance, (2) hand-on-hand robotic systems, (3) teleoperated robotic systems, and (4) magnetic guidance robots. This review covers the improvements and the remaining needs for safe, cost-effective clinical deployment of robotic systems in vitreoretinal surgery.

Outcomes of combined gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy and goniosynechialysis in primary angle closure: a retrospective case series

PURPOSE

To evaluate the additional intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effect of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) to contemporary goniosynechialysis (GSL) in endeavouring to abolish subsequent occlusion after chronic iridotrabecular contact in primary angle closure (PAC) patients.

METHODS

A retrospective case series of all PAC eyes underwent GATT + GSL with or without phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation (PEA + IOL) from December 2016 to May 2018 were recruited. IOP and the number of anti-glaucoma medications were compared pre- and post-operatively by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Repeated measure ANOVA was used to evaluate the difference in IOP change after the operation between a subgroup of operations (GATT + GSL + PEA + IOL and GATT + GSL) and the arc of cutting of trabeculotomy.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine eyes of 30 patients, 37 chronic angle closure glaucoma (CACG), 1 acute primary angle closure (APAC), and 1 plateau iris syndrome were recruited. Mean preoperative IOP was 21.8 ± 5.4 mmHg. Mean post-operative IOP was lowered to 15.1 ± 3.8 mmHg at 1 month, 14.4 ± 1.2 mmHg at 3 months, 14.8 ± 2.1 mmHg at 6 months, 14.5 ± 0.8 mmHg at 1 year, and 15 at 2 years (P < 0.001, P = 0.0012, P = 0.001, P = 0.028, and P = 0.317 (n = 1), consecutively). Mean of overall post-operative IOP at the last follow-up was 15.1 ± 4.4 mmHg (P < 0.001). Mean preoperative number of anti-glaucoma medications was 3.5 ± 1.4. Mean post-operative number of anti-glaucoma medications was reduced to 1.5 ± 1.4 at 1 month, 0.9 ± 0.9 at 3 months, 1.4 ± 1.4 at 6 months, 1.5 ± 0.5 at 1 year, and 2 at 2 years (P < 0.001, P = 0.01, P = 0.002, P = 0.028, and P = 0.317 (n = 1), respectively). Mean of overall post-operative number of anti-glaucoma medications was 1.1 ± 1.2 (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference found between the IOP lowering effect in subgroup analysis.

CONCLUSION

GATT + GSL could significantly reduce IOP and number of anti-glaucoma medications from baseline compared to the last follow-up; however, there seemed not to be any superiority to the effects found in previous studies reported about GSL + PEA or PEA alone in PAC patients.

Two-Year Clinical Outcomes of Combined Phacoemulsification, Goniosynechialysis, and Excisional Goniotomy For Angle-Closure Glaucoma

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to describe changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) and IOP medications after phacoemulsification with Kahook Dual Blade-assisted goniosynechialysis and excisional goniotomy in eyes with angle-closure glaucoma and cataract.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

Data were collected retrospectively through 24 months of follow-up in 42 eyes of 24 subjects.

RESULTS

Preoperative mean (SE) IOP was 25.5 (0.7) mm Hg using a mean of 2.3 (0.1) medications per eye. At month 24, mean IOP had decreased to 13.5 (0.4) mm Hg [a reduction of 12.0 mm Hg (47.1%); P < 0.0001]. Medication use declined to a mean of 0.6 (0.2) medications per eye [a reduction of 1.7 medications per eye (76%); P < 0.0001]. At month 24, 40 of 42 eyes (95.2%) achieved IOP ≤18 mm Hg, 42 of 42 eyes (100%) achieved IOP reduction of ≥20%, 36 of 42 eyes (85.7%) required ≥1 fewer medications for IOP control, and 29 of 42 (69.0%) were medication-free. No eyes required additional glaucoma surgery throughout 24 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Phaco plus Kahook Dual Blade-assisted goniosynechialysis/excisional goniotomy provides statistically and clinically meaningful reductions in both IOP and medications in eyes with angle-closure glaucoma throughout 2 years of follow-up. These findings are consistent with our previously reported outcomes in this cohort at months 6 and 12 postoperatively, demonstrating a significant and sustained benefit of this procedure in eyes with angle-closure glaucoma and cataract.

Outcomes of effective goniosynechialysis under an endoscopic view combined with phacoemulsification in residual angle-closure glaucoma with lens opacity: 6-month results

PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of effective goniosynechialysis (GSL) under an endoscopic view combined with phacoemulsification in residual angle-closure glaucoma with lens opacity.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study. Patients with residual angle-closure glaucoma, lens opacity, and uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) who were receiving anti-glaucoma medications were selected to undergo effective GSL under an endoscopic view combined with phacoemulsification. Follow-up examinations were conducted until 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Twenty-five eyes of 24 patients diagnosed with residual angle-closure glaucoma and lens opacity and peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) at least ≥ 270° were included. Their mean age was 61.32 ± 6.11 years. Preoperatively, the mean (standard error) IOP was 29.69 (11.22) mmHg, and the median number of IOP-lowering medications used was 3.0. The decreases in the rates of IOP of the patients were 44.29%, 52.17%, 46.95%, 48.37%, and 47.29% at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 2.5 months, and 6 months after the surgery, respectively. At 6 months, the median number of IOP-lowering medications used decreased from 3 to 0 and the range of PAS compared to the baseline decreased from 312° to 107° (P < 0.001). We also found that 21/25 eyes achieved improved or stable visual acuity after surgery. Postoperative complications included transiently elevated IOP (12.0%), exudation (8.0%), and hyphema (4.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Phacoemulsification combined with effective GSL under an endoscopic view may reopen residual angle-closure glaucoma and reduce the number of IOP-lowering medications for up to 6 months. It is an effective and safe method for patients with residual angle-closure glaucoma and lens opacity.

Twelve-month outcomes of excisional goniotomy using the Kahook Dual Blade® in eyes with angle-closure glaucoma

Purpose

To characterize clinical outcomes following Kahook Dual Blade^® (KDB)-assisted goniosynechialysis and excisional goniotomy combined with phacoemulsification in eyes with angle-closure glaucoma and cataract.

Setting

Two clinical practices.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis of existing health records, data were collected from 42 eyes of 24 subjects from preoperative, operative, and postoperative encounters through 12 months of follow-up. Outcomes included changes in mean IOP, IOP-lowering medications, and logMAR best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), as well as the proportions of patients achieving IOP reductions ≥20%, IOP ≤18 mmHg, and a reduction of ≥1 medication.

Results

Preoperative, mean (standard error) IOP was 25.5 (0.7) mmHg and at Month 12 was reduced by 12.3 (0.73) mmHg (−47.2%; p<0.0001). The mean number of IOP-lowering medications used was 2.3 (0.1) preoperatively and was reduced at Month 12 by 2.2 (0.12) (−91.7%; p<0.0001). At Month 12, 92.9% of eyes achieved IOP ≤18 mmHg, 100% achieved IOP reduction of ≥20%, 95.2% required ≥1 fewer medications for IOP control, and 85.7% (36/42) were medication-free. Mean LogMAR BCVA improved from 0.547 (0.06) at baseline to 0.159 (0.07) at Month 12.

Conclusion

KDB-assisted goniosynechialysis and excisional goniotomy at the time of phacoemulsification safely provide significant reductions in both IOP and IOP-lowering medication burden in eyes with angle-closure glaucoma, while simultaneously improving visual acuity.

Observation of Schlemm's canal and transluminal trabeculotomy using an ophthalmic endoscope: a case report

BACKGROUND

Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculectomy is a novel and useful technique for ab interno trabeculotomy. However, gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculectomy is difficult to perform in patients with corneal opacity or in patients with sequelae of cerebral infarction and cervical osteoarthritis with severe limitation of spinal mobility. This is because observing Schlemm's canal during surgery using gonioscopy is difficult. In this report, we introduce a new and beneficial surgical technique of transluminal trabeculotomy for these patients, using an ophthalmic endoscope for cases in which normal gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculectomy is difficult.

CASE PRESENTATION

Our patient was a 65-year-old Japanese man with cervical osteoarthritis with severe limitation of spinal mobility who showed primary open-angle glaucoma of the right eye. He had limited conversion of his head during surgery because of complications. Therefore, we performed transluminal trabeculotomy using an ophthalmic endoscope. Finally, ab interno trabeculotomy of 200 degrees was achieved by this method, and an average reduction in ocular pressure of 60% from baseline was achieved after surgery, with no major complications.

CONCLUSIONS

This surgical technique may be useful as an alternative method for normal gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculectomy in difficult cases.

Endoscopic Goniosynechialysis for Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma Following Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty

We describe a new modified technique to release the peripheral iridocorneal adhesions that formed after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty. The usual technique of goniosynechialysis was modified and performed using endoscopic fiber-optic light and camera probe to aid visualization of the adherent iris tissue and carry out uneventful 270 degrees release of adhesions. The iris tissue was gently pulled away using micro forceps. The modified technique was conceptualized, as the view from the cornea was very poor due to recent lamellar surgery and corneal oedema secondary to poorly controlled intraocular pressure. The blocked trabecular meshwork system was successfully recanalized, which allowed an adequate control of intraocular pressure. The graft survived the insult and cornea gained complete clarity giving the patient the desired vision and improved quality of life.

How to cite this article: Rana M, Shah S, Pandey P, Masood I. Endoscopic Goniosynechialysis for Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma Following Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2018;12(2):90-93.

Phacoemulsification with Intraocular Implantation of Lens, Endocyclophotocoagulation, and Endoscopic-Goniosynechialysis (PIECES): A Combined Technique for the Management of Extensive Synechial Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma

Primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) is more blinding (1 in 4 cases) than primary open angle glaucoma (1 in 10 cases). Cataract surgery is an effective initial treatment for majority of cases of PACG. However, cataract surgery alone may not be enough to control intraocular pressure (IOP) in cases with extensive synechial angle closure glaucoma. It is reported that glaucoma drainage surgery is needed in 12% of PACG cases after cataract surgery. Some experts combine cataract surgery with either goniosynechialysis (GSL) or endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) to enhance IOP control. However, neither combination ensures complete success. We report three subjects with extensive synechia! angle closure in whom we facilitated a technique that combines lens extraction with ECP and endoscopic-GSL (PIECES). We demonstrated that this combined technique was a more effective and efficient method of achieving lower IOP in the presence of extensive synechial PACG. We believe that it addresses both the inflow and outflow of the aqueous humor simultaneously. Two out of three patients had good IOP control without medication and one patient needed one drop after a minimum 12 months of follow up. Furthermore, it may reduce the need for medical therapy and future more invasive glaucoma drainage surgery. How to cite this article: Alaghband P, Rodrigues IAS, Goyal S. Phacoemulsification with Intraocular Implantation of Lens, Endocyclophotocoagulation, and Endoscopic-Goniosynechialysis (PIECES): A Combined Technique for the Management of Extensive Synechial Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2018;12(1):45-49.

Combined Phacoemulsification and Goniosynechialysis under an Endoscope for Chronic Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Purpose

To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of combined phacoemulsification with goniosynechialysis (GSL) under an ophthalmic endoscope for chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma and coexisting cataract.

Methods

This is a retrospective study. The intraocular pressure (IOP), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and number of glaucoma medications at baseline and each postoperative follow-up visit were recorded. Other measurements included supraciliochoroidal fluid measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography, corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), and peripheral anterior synechia (PAS). All patients were followed for more than a year.

Results

Thirty-eight eyes of 31 patients were included. The mean follow-up duration was 16.3 ± 3.9 months. The IOP decreased from 22.2 ± 9.3 mmHg at baseline to 15.4 ± 4.2 mmHg at the last follow-up (P < 0.001). The mean number of glaucoma medications (0.1 ± 0.6) at the last follow-up was significantly lower than the preoperative number (2.3 ± 1.1) (P < 0.001). All patients achieved improved or stable visual acuity after surgery. All patients achieved a complete opened angle after GSL. The postoperative complications included hyphema (7.9%), exudation (5.3%), transiently elevated IOP (55.3%), and supraciliochoroidal fluid (40%).

Conclusions

Combined phacoemulsification and GSL under an endoscope can completely reopen PAS and is an effective and safe method for patients with chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma and coexisting cataract.