Safe trabeculectomy technique: long term outcome

Aim: To assess the long term outcome of a new trabeculectomy technique. Methods: Trabeculectomy was performed using a fornix based conjunctival flap, an anterior chamber maintainer, a standardised punch technique, and a combination of adjustable and releasable sutures in 56 eyes of 53 patients. The main outcome measures were the postoperative intraocular pressure ( IOP) and the frequency of early postoperative complications. The mean follow up time was 15.7 ( range 12 - 21) months. Results: The mean preoperative and postoperative IOP at 12 months were 21.2 ( SD 6) and 12.8 ( 3.0) mmHg, respectively. All patients had an IOP of < 21 mmHg, 90.9% had an IOP < 18 mmHg, and 61.4% had an IOP < 14 mmHg. Postoperative complications were infrequent: flat anterior chamber ( 1.8%), bleb leakage ( 0%), or hypotony ( 1.5%) beyond 3 weeks, or choroidal detachment at any time point ( 8.9%). Conclusions: This novel trabeculectomy method offers the possibility to tailor the IOP postoperatively with a minimum of postoperative complications and excellent IOP control at the long term follow up.