Comparison of the outcome of repeat trabeculectomy with adjunctive mitomycin C and initial trabeculectomy

All Consecutive Ab Externo SIBS Microshunt Implantations With Mitomycin C: One-Year Outcomes and Risk Factors for Failure

PURPOSE

To present the effectiveness, risk factors for surgical failure, and adverse events over 12 months in a consecutive diverse cohort of glaucoma patients who underwent solo or combined ab externo SIBS microshunt with mitomycin C (MMC) with or without previous subconjunctival surgery.

DESIGN

Retrospective, consecutive, interventional case series.

METHODS

Consecutive glaucomatous eyes on maximally tolerated medical therapy received ab externo SIBS microshunt with MMC implantation as a solo or combined procedure with phacoemulsification from July 2015 to January 2020. The primary outcome was the proportion of eyes at 12-months with the following: (1) no 2 consecutive intraocular pressures (IOPs) >17 mm Hg or clinical hypotony, without (complete success) or with (qualified success) glaucoma medications; and (2) ≥20% reduction from baseline IOP. Secondary outcomes included upper IOP thresholds of 14 and 21 mm Hg with and without a 20% IOP reduction from baseline, median IOP, medications, risk factors for failure, postoperative interventions, complications, and reoperations.

RESULTS

A total of 436 eyes underwent surgery; 86 (20%) combined with phacoemulsification, 127 (29%) in eyes with refractory glaucoma, and 234 (51%) stand-alone procedures in non-refractory eyes. Complete success (6-17 mm Hg with no medications) was achieved in 64.0% of combined eyes, 58.1% of refractory eyes, and 74.8% of stand-alone non-refractory eyes; and qualified success rates (6-17 mm Hg with medications) were 90.7%, 84.7%, and 92.4% of eyes, respectively. At 12 months, 67% of eyes were medication free. Significant risk factors for failure included combined procedures in refractory eyes (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.2; 95% CI = 1.4-7.4), receiving <0.4 mg/mL of MMC (HR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.6-3.1), refractory eyes (HR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.2-2.5), combined procedures (HR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.0-2.5), and each additional baseline medication class (HR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.1-1.5). Postoperative complications occurred in 31% of eyes, and more often in those receiving ≥0.4 mg/mL MMC (odds ratio [OR] = 2.2, 95% CI 1.2-3.8). Needling occurred in 12% of eyes, with significantly higher frequency in refractory eyes (23%) and combined procedures (13%) compared to stand-alone (7%; P < .001). Revisions and reoperations occurred in 4% and 1.4% of eyes, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The 1-year follow-up data from this large and diverse cohort support promising rates of qualified and complete surgical success with decreased medication burden and few postoperative complications and interventions. Combined phacoemulsification, refractory glaucoma, and receiving <0.4mg/mL MMC were associated with reduced surgical success rates.

Comparison of Repeat Trabeculectomy Versus Ahmed Valve Implantation After Initial Failed Trabeculectomy Surgery

PRCIS

Repeat trabeculectomy is associated with similar postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), a lower complication rate, and a lower need for medications when compared with Ahmed valve implantation (AVI) when performed after initially failed trabeculectomy.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to compare the efficacy of repeat trabeculectomies and AVI after an initial failed trabeculectomy.

METHODS

All studies that investigated the postoperative success of patients who underwent AVI or repeat trabeculectomy with mitomycin- C after a prior failed trabeculectomy with mitomycin- C found in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and CINAHL were included. Mean preoperative and postoperative IOP, proportions of complete and qualified successes, and proportions of complications were extracted from each study. Meta-analyses were performed to compare the differences between the two surgical approaches. Methods of measuring complete and qualified success were too heterogeneous among the included studies to allow for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The literature search yielded 1305 studies, and 14 studies were included in the final analysis. Mean IOP was not significantly different between the two groups preoperatively and then after 1, 2, and 3 years. Mean number of medications between the two groups was similar preoperatively. After 1 and 2 years, the mean amount of glaucoma medications in the AVI group was approximately twice that of the trabeculectomy group; however, this relationship was only significant at 1 year of follow-up ( P = 0.042). In addition, the cumulative proportion of overall and sight-threatening complications was significantly higher in the AVI group.

CONCLUSION

Repeat trabeculectomy with mitomycin- C and AVI may both be considered after failed primary trabeculectomy. However, our analysis suggests that repeat trabeculectomy may be the preferred method as it provides similar efficacy with fewer disadvantages.

Outcomes of Glaucoma Reoperations in the Primary Tube Versus Trabeculectomy Study

PURPOSE

To describe the incidence and outcomes of reoperations for glaucoma in the Primary Tube Versus Trabeculectomy (PTVT) Study.

DESIGN

Cohort study of patients in a multicenter randomized clinical trial.

PARTICIPANTS

The PTVT Study enrolled 242 patients with medically uncontrolled glaucoma and no previous incisional ocular surgery.

METHODS

Randomization assigned 125 patients to placement of a tube shunt (350-mm2 Baerveldt glaucoma implant) and 117 patients to trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC, 0.4 mg/ml for 2 minutes). Data were analyzed from patients who underwent additional glaucoma surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Outcome measures included intraocular pressure (IOP), use of glaucoma medications, visual acuity, surgical complications, and failure (IOP > 21 mmHg or reduced by <20%, IOP ≤ 5 mmHg, additional glaucoma surgery, or loss of light perception vision).

RESULTS

Additional glaucoma surgery was performed in 21 patients in the tube group and 12 patients in the trabeculectomy group in the PTVT Study, and the 5-year cumulative reoperation rate for glaucoma was 18.0% in the tube group and 10.4% in the trabeculectomy group (P = 0.15). Follow-up (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) after additional glaucoma surgery was 35.1 ± 17.7 months in the tube group and 30.1 ± 17.6 months in the trabeculectomy group (P = 0.44). At 3 years after glaucoma reoperation, IOP (mean ± SD) was 15.5 ± 4.8 mmHg in the tube group and 16.6 ± 7.3 mmHg in the trabeculectomy group (P = 0.71). The number of glaucoma medications (mean ± SD) after 3 years of follow-up was 2.1 ± 1.7 in the tube group and 1.7 ± 1.0 in the trabeculectomy group (P = 0.58). The cumulative probability of failure at 3 years after a glaucoma reoperation was 37.8% in the tube group and 21.3% in the trabeculectomy group (P = 0.47).

CONCLUSION

No significant difference in the rate of reoperation for glaucoma was observed after tube shunt implantation and trabeculectomy with MMC in the PTVT Study. Similar surgical outcomes were observed after additional glaucoma surgery, irrespective of the initial procedure to which the patient was randomized.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Filtering Bleb Size in the Early Postoperative Period Affects the Long-term Surgical Outcome after Trabeculectomy

PURPOSE

To investigate whether postoperative filtering bleb size affects the surgical outcome after trabeculectomy.

METHODS

In this study, we retrospectively reviewed 145 medically uncontrolled glaucoma patients with intraocular pressure (IOP) values >21 mmHg before surgery and data from ≥2 years of follow-up. Postoperative IOP, filtering bleb size including extent and height, and other clinical factors were measured after trabeculectomy. We divided bleb extent into quadrants and bleb height by 0.5 intervals of corneal thickness. The main outcome measure was surgical success. We confirmed complete success when the IOP was ≤21 mmHg and decreased by >20% from baseline without medication or additional procedures. Qualified success used the same criteria but allowed for medication or additional procedures. Cases with reoperation or two consecutive IOP measurements <6 mmHg were considered failures.

RESULTS

A total of 145 eyes of 145 patients was included. The average observation period was 30.8 ± 10.9 months. During multivariate Cox regression analysis, a larger extent of filtering bleb revealed significantly low hazard ratios in both complete and surgical success (0.509 and 0.494, respectively); however, there was no significant relationship between bleb height and surgical outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The extent of the filtering bleb was associated with surgical outcomes of trabeculectomy in glaucoma patients.

Outcomes of 45 μm gelatin stent surgery over 24-month follow-up

BACKGROUND

The main objectives of this study were to determine whether known risk factors for trabeculectomy failure similarly influence gelatin stent outcomes and to identify surgical factors which may optimise success.

METHODS

A retrospective, observational study was conducted at a single centre in Perth, Western Australia over 24 months. Two-hundred and sixty-two eyes of 207 patients underwent XEN-45 stent surgery with various forms of glaucoma. Surgical and postoperative data on subjects undergoing XEN-45 stent surgery was collated. Intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction success was determined using three criteria: 1; IOP <18 mm Hg, 2: IOP <15 mm Hg and 3: >25% IOP reduction from baseline. Kaplan-Meier, mixed effects Cox Proportional hazard model and Chi-Square test were used to measure survival of functioning stents.

RESULTS

The success rates at a maximum of 2 years after surgery by criteria 1, 2 and 3 were 61.3%, 26.2% and 28.9% in primary open angle glaucoma (n = 243), 18.8%, 16.9%, 21.4% in angle closure glaucoma (n = 11), 0%, 0%, 66.7% in congenital glaucoma (n = 5) and 0% in uveitic glaucoma (n = 3). No significant reduction in success was found in those eyes that had prior ocular surgery (all p > 0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

Prior cataract or trabeculectomy surgery does not appear to adversely affect gelatin stent outcomes over 2 years follow up. Gelatin stent surgery appears to have less IOP reduction effect compared to trabeculectomy at 2 years.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Following Gel Stent Implantation via Ab-Externo and Ab-Interno Approaches in Patients with Refractory Glaucoma

Purpose

To compare clinical outcomes following gel stent implantation via ab externo and ab interno approaches in patients with refractory glaucoma.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective study included 203 eyes of 185 patients aged ≥45 years who underwent Xen gel stent implantation as a standalone procedure for medically uncontrolled glaucoma (intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥18 mmHg) despite maximum tolerable IOP-lowering medications. One hundred and five eyes underwent gel stent implantation via ab interno approach and 98 via ab externo. Patients with prior conjunctival-incisional glaucoma or cataract surgery were also included. Study parameters were reduction in IOP and number of IOP-lowering medications from baseline to 3, 6, 9 and 12 months postoperatively.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in the age, sex, preoperative IOP, number of IOP-lowering medications or cup–disc ratio between the ab interno and ab externo groups at baseline (p > 0.05). At all postoperative time points, mean IOP and percentage reduction from baseline were comparable in both groups (p > 0.05) except at postoperative 6 months when the outcomes were significantly better (p < 0.05) in the ab externo group. The rate of postoperative procedures (5-Fluorouracil injections and bleb needling), the incidence of numerical or clinical hypotony and adverse events were comparable in both groups (p > 0.05). The mean number of IOP-lowering medications was comparable in both groups at all time points.

Conclusion

The Xen gel stent, whether implanted ab interno or ab externo, is effective in reducing IOP and dependence on topical medications in eyes with refractory glaucoma. The stent may be used in both phakic and pseudophakic patients and is a reasonable option for patients with prior failed trabeculectomy.

Reintervention rate in glaucoma filtering surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Reintervention rate is an important factor impacting on patients, surgeons, and society. To date, only a few studies have focused on this topic. For this reason, a systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken to assess the reintervention rate after glaucoma filtering surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective studies reporting the reintervention rate after glaucoma filtering surgery and with at least 12 months of follow-up were systematically searched on PubMed, Medline and Embase databases. The primary outcome was the total reintervention rate following surgery. Secondary outcomes were: the rate of manipulation, in-clinic and in-operating room reintervention; the reintervention rate for intraocular pressure (IOP) control and for complications; demographic, clinical and surgical variables associated with reintervention rate.

RESULTS

Ninety-three studies with a total of 8345 eyes were eligible. The total reintervention rate was 1.84 (95% CI 1.57-2.13), with a lower rate for Baerveldt (0.53, 95% CI 0.29-0.83) and Preserflo (0.60, 95% CI 0.15-1.29), and a higher rate for Xen (4.26, 95% CI 2.59-6.31). The manipulation rate was 0.99 (95% CI 0.77-1.23), the in-clinic reintervention rate was 0.08 (95% CI 0.05-0.12) and the in-operating room reintervention rate was 0.28 (95% CI 0.22-0.35). The reintervention rate for IOP control was 1.26 (95% CI 1.04-1.51) and the reintervention rate for complications was 0.27 (95% CI 0.21-0.35).

CONCLUSIONS

All types of surgery presented a total reintervention rate similar to the overall findings, except studies on Baerveldt and Preserflo Microshunt, with a lower rate, and Xen, with a higher rate. None of the variables evaluated were found to be directly associated with the explored outcomes.

Comparison of Outcomes Following Glaucoma Drainage Tube Surgery Between Primary and Secondary Glaucomas, and Between Phakic and Pseudophakic eyes

PURPOSE

To report outcomes of glaucoma drainage device (GDD) surgery based on primary or secondary glaucoma diagnosis and lens status.

DESIGN

Single-center, retrospective, consecutive cohort study.

METHODS

University of Florida patients aged 18 to 93 years who underwent nonvalved GDD surgery between 1996 and 2015 with a minimum of 1-year follow-up were examined. Of the 186 eyes of 186 patients enrolled, 108 had a primary glaucoma and 78 a secondary glaucoma diagnosis. Excluding 13 aphakic patients, 57 eyes were phakic and 116 pseudophakic. Mean intraocular pressure (IOP), mean number of medications, visual acuity (VA), surgical complications, and failure (IOP ≥18 mm Hg, IOP <6 mm Hg, reoperation for glaucoma, or loss of light perception) were the main outcome measures.

RESULTS

No significant difference was noted in mean IOP and mean medication use (12.8 ± 4.5 and 13.0 ± 6.6 mm Hg on 2.0 ± 1.2 and 1.5 ± 1.1 medication classes, respectively), mean VA (1.08 ± 0.98 and 0.94 ± 0.89, respectively), failure, or numbers of complications and reoperations (P > 0.05) between eyes with primary and secondary glaucomas at up to 5 years postoperatively. Comparison of phakic and pseudophakic eyes showed a statistically significant higher success rate for the pseudophakic patient group at the ≥18 mm Hg upper limit and <6 mm Hg lower limit (P = 0.01), and significantly fewer eyes required reoperation to lower IOP (6.9% vs 23%).

CONCLUSIONS

GDD surgery appears equally effective for secondary glaucomas as for primary glaucomas, and has a better outcome for pseudophakic eyes than phakic eyes.

XEN Glaucoma Implant for the Management of Glaucoma in Naïve Patients versus Patients with Previous Glaucoma Surgery

This retrospective study analyzed the surgical and refractive outcomes of a XEN Gel Implant (Allergan, Abbvie Company, Irvine, CA, USA) in naïve patients versus those with previous glaucoma surgery. We evaluated the efficacy of XEN implantation in 86 glaucoma patients during a long-term follow-up period. Patients were divided into two groups: naïve patients (Group 1) and patients with previous glaucoma surgery (Group 2). Eyes that received a XEN Gel Stent placement from December 2014 to October 2019 were included. Intraocular pressure (IOP) change, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), change in glaucoma medications, frequency of slit lamp revision procedures, and frequency of secondary glaucoma surgeries were the primary outcomes. In Group 1, the mean IOP before surgery was decreased significantly from 25.00 ± 7.52 mmHg to 16.83 ± 5.12 mmHg by the end of the study. In Group 2, the mean IOP decreased significantly from 25.35 ± 7.81 mmHg to 17.54 ± 5.34 mmHg. The mean IOP decrease from baseline was 29% in Group 1 and 27% in Group 2 (p = 0.567). There were no significant differences between the groups in the IOP baseline level, the final level, or the change between preoperative and final levels. The qualified success rate for Group 2 was 68.7% versus 76.5% for Group 1 for the initial procedure and 15.4% vs. 20.2%, respectively, for complete success rate (p > 0.05). However, at the end of the follow-up, more patients achieved an IOP < 18 mmHg in Group 1 than in Group 2. Despite the need for more anti-glaucoma medications, repeat XEN Gel implantation appears to show promising results in patients with previously failed anti-glaucoma procedures, owing to its minimal invasiveness.

Comparison of Outcomes of Glaucoma Drainage Implant Surgery With or Without Prior Failed Trabeculectomy

PRECIS

A comparison of 186 glaucoma patients with mixed diagnoses who underwent nonvalved glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implant surgery showed similar long-term intraocular pressure (IOP), medication, and visual acuity (VA) outcomes between those with prior failed trabeculectomy surgery versus those without.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether prior failed trabeculectomy adversely affects the outcome of glaucoma tube surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 186 eyes of 186 patients who underwent a nonvalved GDD implant surgery by a single surgeon between 1996 and 2015 at a University practice were included. Patients were of mixed diagnoses and over 18 years old. Before the GDD surgery, 65 had a previous failed glaucoma filtering surgery and 121 had no prior glaucoma surgery. Demographic information, preoperative and postoperative IOP, medication, VA, and complications were collected from chart review.

RESULTS

No significant difference was noted in mean IOP and mean medication use (13.0 and 12.6 mm Hg on 2.0 and 1.7 medication classes at 5 y postoperatively, respectively), mean VA and change in VA from baseline, or numbers of complications (P>0.05), between eyes that had a prior failed filtration surgery and those that had not. Kaplan-Meier plots for failure over 5 years using a lower limit of <5 mm Hg and an upper limit of ≥18, ≥15, or ≥12 mm Hg did not show a significant difference between groups. Subanalyses were performed to examine only primary glaucoma eyes and results were similar. Further group subanalyses comparing those with baseline IOP ≥25 or <25 mm Hg, age 65 and above or below 65 years and those specifically with Baerveldt 350 mm2 implants also did not show significant differences.

CONCLUSION

Prior failed filtration surgery does not appear to affect the outcome of future GDD surgery.

Outcome of repeat trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in isolation or combined with phacoemulsification

Purpose:

To evaluate the effectiveness of repeat trabeculectomy with Mitomycin C (MMC) in isolation or combined with phacoemulsification, and to identify risk factors for failure over 1 year.

Methods:

Retrospective review of 113 eyes of 113 patients (49 primary open angle, 27 primary angle closure, 37 secondary glaucoma) who underwent repeat trabeculectomy with MMC (isolated trabeculectomy 75 and phacotrabeculectomy 38). The primary outcome measure was intraocular pressure (IOP) at 1 year follow-up. Three IOP criteria were chosen to measure success A) IOP ≤21 mmHg and ≥20% reduction from baseline. B) IOP ≤17 mmHg and ≥20% reduction from baseline. C) IOP ≤14 mmHg.

Results:

Mean IOP decreased from 24.5 ± 8.8 mmHg to 16.4 ± 7.6 mmHg 1 year after repeat trabeculectomy. The mean number of medications reduced from 2.9 ± 1.0 to 0.6 ± 1.0. Complete success with trabeculectomy versus phacotrabeculectomy for criterion A was 60% vs 55.3%, criterion B 54.7% vs 50.0% and criterion C 40.0% vs 28.9%. IOP ≤14 mmHg was more likely with trabeculectomy than phacotrabeculectomy (P = 0.047). On regression analysis, duration between surgeries ≤4 years (P = 0.018) and secondary glaucoma (P = 0.046) were identified as risk factors for surgical failure with criterion A. Younger age (P = 0.042), fornix based flap (P = 0.058), and phacotrabeculectomy (P = 0.042) for criterion C.

Conclusion:

Repeat trabeculectomy with MMC is successful at lowering IOP and decreasing number of antiglaucoma medications. Low IOP levels are less likely with phacotrabeculectomy.

A Case of Personal Identification Via Postmortem Computed Tomography Confirmation of Aphakic Eyes

Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) is used commonly in forensic medicine. Postmortem computed tomography of the head provides information on the eyes and orbits and may reveal intraocular abnormalities. We present a case in which the identity of a deceased man was confirmed by the presence of aphakic eyes detected on PMCT. A decomposed body was found in a house and suspected to be a man in his 40s who lived alone. Autopsy identified pontine hemorrhage as the cause of death. Although signs of previous dental treatment were evident, the storage period of the householder's dental records had expired. He had no family members to provide DNA for a comparative DNA analysis. Postmortem computed tomography before autopsy revealed aphakia (ie, the absence of eye lenses) suggestive of previous ocular surgery. His medical records revealed that he had undergone ocular surgery for secondary glaucoma due to uveitis, which had resulted in artificial aphakia. Peripheral iridectomy scars fully matched the findings in his medical records, thus identifying the body. The unusual finding of artificial aphakia in a man in his 40s facilitated the personal identification in this case. In conclusion, PMCT provides additional information, and the correct interpretation of intraocular PMCT findings by forensic pathologists is crucial.

Trabeculectomy Outcomes After Glaucoma Drainage Device Surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate outcomes of trabeculectomy with adjunctive mitomycin C in patients with uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) after glaucoma drainage device implantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients who had undergone a trabeculectomy after GDD were reviewed. The primary outcome was surgical success with stratified IOP targets based on the following criteria: (A) IOP<18 mm Hg and IOP reduction of 20%; (B) IOP<15 mm Hg and IOP reduction of 25%; (C) IOP<12 mm Hg and IOP reduction of 30%. Secondary outcomes were number of glaucoma medications, complications, and need for additional glaucoma surgery.

RESULTS

Twenty eyes (19 patients) were included for analysis. Median follow-up and age were 3.7 years (range, 1.1 to 10.2 y) and 64.2 years (range, 25.2 to 85.6 y), respectively. Mean IOP (±SD) has dropped from 19.3±4.2 mm Hg preoperatively to 9.8±2.2 mm Hg at 1 year, 8.8±3.2 mm Hg at 3 years and 8.4±1.5 mm Hg at 5 years (P<0.001 for all). Hypotony maculopathy was the only serious complication (2/19 patients; 10%) that needed surgical revision. The cumulative success rate (±SD) for criterion A and B were 73.2% (±10.0%) and 68.2% (±9.5%), respectively, between the first and fifth year of follow-up, for criterion C it was 49.1% (±10.8%) at the first year and 32.7% (±12%) between the second and fifth year of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Trabeculectomy is a viable surgical option to treat IOP that is uncontrolled after GDD implantation.

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.

Surgical outcomes of repeat trabeculectomy augmented with high dose mitomycin C

Purpose:

To evaluate the surgical outcomes of repeat trabeculectomy augmented with risk factor adjusted mitomycin C (MMC) exposure in eyes with previous failed trabeculectomy.

Methods:

Case records of 38 eyes of 37 patients with previous failed filter who underwent repeat trabeculectomy with MMC were reviewed retrospectively. Main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, requirement of anti-glaucoma medications, postoperative complications, and surgical success (defined as IOP of ≤21 mmHg and >5 mmHg along with 20% reduction from preoperative IOP with or without adjuvant medications) at 1-year postoperatively. Statistical analysis was done using the STATA 14.1 (Texas, USA).

Results:

Patient's mean age was 46.41 (±20.43) years and the mean preoperative IOP was 32.73 (±9.26) mmHg which reduced to 16.22 (±7.08) mmHg postoperatively at 12 months (P < 0.001). Mean number of anti-glaucoma medications reduced from 2.76 (±0.83) preoperatively to 1.89 (±0.95) postoperatively (P < 0.001). Surgical success was observed in 81.1% at 1 year (n = 30). Eyes that received MMC >3 min had a postoperative mean IOP of 12.50 (±3.23) mmHg compared to 23.08 (±7.19) mmHg with MMC <3 min (P < 0.001). Seven eyes (18.4%) developed postoperative complications, and all were seen in eyes that received MMC >3 min (P = 0.033).

Conclusion:

Repeat trabeculectomy with MMC, used in higher concentration and exposure time altered according to individual risk factor plays a crucial role in the success and hence it could be considered as a viable option before planning a tube surgery.

Secondary surgical intervention after primary glaucoma filtration surgery: an Ontario population-based study

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors associated with secondary surgical intervention after glaucoma filtration surgery.

DESIGN

Population-based retrospective cohort.

METHODS

Patient records with billing claims for a primary glaucoma filtration surgery occurring between April 2003 and March 2015 were identified. Each identified record was examined for instances of secondary glaucoma surgeries within the patient's first postoperative year. Baseline characteristics of patients who required secondary surgical intervention were compared with those who did not. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratios.

RESULTS

Within a cohort of 10,097 patients, 349 (3.46%) underwent a secondary surgical intervention within the first postoperative year. Interventions were less frequent after surgeries that included an indwelling drainage device (HR=0.58 95% CI, 0.37-0.89), phacoemulsification (HR=0.33, 0.21-0.52), or both (HR=0.09, 0.03-0.31). Patients with preoperative aminoglycoside and mydriatic exposure had significantly increased risk of secondary surgical intervention (HR=3.19, 1.89-5.36) and (HR=2.32, 1.49-3.61). Patients who underwent surgery on their contralateral eye experienced secondary surgical interventions more frequently: 7.44 per 10,000 person-days (versus 1.18 per 10,000 person-days, p < 0.0001). No significant differences in the rates of secondary surgical intervention were observed for patients taking different classes of glaucoma medications or those exposed to higher amounts of benzalkonium chloride.

CONCLUSIONS

In Ontario, the overall rates of secondary surgical interventions in the first postoperative year are low but significantly higher in certain patient populations. Further work is required to address the higher rate of secondary surgical intervention in patients with a history of certain perioperative eye drop medications and those who require sequential-bilateral procedures.

Same-site Trabeculectomy Revision for Failed Trabeculectomy: Outcomes and Risk Factors for Failure

PURPOSE

To evaluate long-term tonometric outcomes of same-site trabeculectomy revision with mitomycin C (MMC) after failure of an initial trabeculectomy, and to identify risk factors for failure in patients with open-angle glaucoma.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

One-hundred and seventeen patients (130 eyes) with primary open-angle, pseudoexfoliation, or pigmentary glaucoma, who failed a first trabeculectomy and who were ≥40 years of age at the time of same-site trabeculectomy revision, were included. Three levels of success criteria were defined: (A) intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤18 mm Hg and IOP reduction of 20%; (B) IOP ≤15 mm Hg and IOP reduction of 25%; and (C) IOP ≤12 mm Hg and IOP reduction of 30%. The primary outcome was the qualified Kaplan-Meier success rate (with or without medications) for each criterion. Cox multivariate regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for failure.

RESULTS

The success rates (± standard error) at the first, third, and fifth years of follow-up for criterion A were 69.7% (± 4.1%), 58.2% (± 4.6%), and 51.1% (± 5.0%); for criterion B these were 60.9% (± 4.4%), 47.8% (± 4.7%), and 44.0 (± 4.8%); and for criterion C, 44.6% (± 4.5%), 29.7% (± 4.4%), and 25.8% (± 4.3%). Mean follow-up was 5.2 (± 3.6) years. A time interval between the first and the same-site trabeculectomy revision of <3 years, worse baseline visual acuity, and dyslipidemia were significant risk factors for failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the long-term tonometric success rates along with significant medication reduction, same-site trabeculectomy revision with MMC should be considered as a viable option to achieve reasonable IOP targets after a first failed trabeculectomy in open-angle glaucoma patients.

Prognostic factors for trabeculectomy failure in a Cuban population

OBJECTIVE

To identify the prognostic factors for mid-term trabeculectomy failure.

METHOD

A prospective cohort study was conducted on 113 eyes (113 patients) that had undergone a trabeculectomy for primary open or closed angle, pigmentary, or juvenile glaucoma. Surgical failure was defined if intraocular pressure was equal or more than 18mmHg with medication (two or more drops), after 1-4 postoperative years. The relative risk was calculated and a logistic regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Previous trabeculectomy, preoperative intraocular pressure ≥ 31mmHg, black race, and advanced glaucoma increased the failure risk by 7.9 times (P=.036), 5.3 times (P=.011) and 4.7 times (P=.028, and P=.027), respectively. The addition of two or more factors increased the risk by 6.4 times (P<.001). It was not affected by age, sex, pre-operative drops, or surgical complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Previous trabeculectomy, pre-operative intraocular pressure ≥ 31mmHg, black race, and advanced glaucoma are prognostic factors for trabeculectomy failure, in decreasing order of their association with surgical failure. The addition of two or more factors increased the risk of failure. In those situations, the use of trans- operative anti-metabolites is suggested.

Two-year outcome of repeat trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in primary open-angle and PEX glaucoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness of repeat trabeculectomy with risk factor-adjusted mitomycin C (MMC) application in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG) over 2 years.

METHODS

A total of 58 patients (43 with POAG, 15 with PEXG) who had undergone repeat trabeculectomy with MMC were included in this retrospective study. Exposure time of MMC 0.3 mg/mL was adjusted according to a standardized protocol. Main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, surgical success rate (criteria were defined as A: IOP ≤21 mm Hg and a reduction of IOP ≥20%; B: IOP ≤18 mm Hg and a reduction of IOP of ≥30%; C: IOP ≤15 mm Hg and a reduction of IOP of ≥40% from baseline), and number of medications at baseline, 3 months, and 2 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

The BCVA remained stable for 2 years after surgery (0.47 ± 0.47 at baseline, 0.49 ± 0.64 logMAR units after 2 years, respectively). Mean IOP decreased from 22.2 ± 7.0 mm Hg at baseline to 12.7 ± 3.1 mm Hg at 3 months and 12.9 ± 4.3 mm Hg 2 years after surgery. The qualified success rate for criterion A was 75.4%, for criterion B 66.6%, and for criterion C45.6%. Complete success rates were 42.9%, 37.5%, and 32.1%, respectively. Two years after repeat trabeculectomy, the mean IOP was reduced by 38.8%, and the number of medications was reduced significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeat trabeculectomy with MMC is successful at lowering IOP in POAG and PEXG and permits a significant and safe reduction of antiglaucomatous medication for at least 2 years after surgery.

Outcomes of glaucoma reoperations in the Tube Versus Trabeculectomy (TVT) Study

PURPOSE

To describe the incidence and outcomes of reoperations for glaucoma in the Tube Versus Trabeculectomy (TVT) Study.

DESIGN

Cohort study of patients in a multicenter randomized clinical trial.

METHODS

The TVT Study enrolled 212 patients with medically uncontrolled glaucoma who had previous cataract and/or glaucoma surgery. Randomization assigned 107 patients to surgery with a tube shunt (350 mm(2) Baerveldt glaucoma implant) and 105 patients to trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (0.4 mg/mL for 4 minutes). Data were analyzed from patients who failed their assigned treatment and had additional glaucoma surgery. Outcome measures included intraocular pressure (IOP), use of glaucoma medications, visual acuity, surgical complications, and failure (IOP >21 mm Hg or not reduced by 20%, IOP ≤5 mm Hg, additional glaucoma surgery, or loss of light perception vision).

RESULTS

Additional glaucoma surgery was performed in 8 patients in the tube group and 18 patients in the trabeculectomy group in the TVT Study, and the 5-year cumulative reoperation rate was 9% in the tube group and 29% in the trabeculectomy group (P = .025). Follow-up (mean ± SD) after additional glaucoma surgery was 28.0 ± 16.0 months in the tube group and 30.5 ± 20.4 months in the trabeculectomy group (P = .76). At 2 years after a glaucoma reoperation, IOP (mean ± SD) was 15.0 ± 5.5 mm Hg in the tube group and 14.4 ± 6.6 mm Hg in the trabeculectomy group (P = .84). The number of glaucoma medications (mean ± SD) after 2 years of follow-up was 1.1 ± 1.3 in the tube group and 1.4 ± 1.4 in the trabeculectomy group (P = .71). The cumulative probability of failure at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years after additional glaucoma surgery was 0%, 43%, 43%, and 43%, respectively, in the tube group, and 0%, 9%, 20%, and 47% in the trabeculectomy group (P = .28). Reoperations to manage complications were required in 1 patient in the tube group and 5 patients in the trabeculectomy group (P = .63).

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of reoperation for glaucoma was higher following trabeculectomy with mitomycin C than tube shunt surgery in the TVT Study. Similar surgical outcomes were observed after additional glaucoma surgery, irrespective of initial randomized treatment in the study.