Long-term follow-up of trabeculectomy with intraoperative 5-fluorouracil for uveitis-related glaucoma

Purpose: To determine the effect of intraoperative application of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on the long-term outcome of trabeculectomy in uveitis-related glaucoma. Design: An open, prospective, noncomparative case study to evaluate the use of intraoperative application for 5 minutes of 25 mg/ml 5-FU in primary trabeculectomy for uveitis-related glaucoma. Participants: Fifty eyes of 43 consecutive patients were enrolled in the study. Methods: Data were recorded prospectively on specifically designed forms at visits every 3 months after surgery. Main Outcome Measurer The intraocular pressure, need for additional medication, and the need for repeat surgery were the criteria that determined the outcome of surgery. Results: No significant intraoperative, postoperative, or late complications of 5-FU administration were noted. Successful filtration was achieved in 82% of eyes at 1 and 2 years after surgery. The success rate was 67% at 5 years. Failure was significantly more common and occurred earlier in patients of black ethnic origin, No deleterious effect on control of uveitis in relation to surgical intervention was observed. Conclusions: Intraoperative application of 5-FU appears to be a long-term, safe, and effective adjunct to trabeculectomy in uveitis-related glaucoma. Ophthalmology 2000;107:1822-1828 (C) 2000 by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.