Biomedical subjects

T S Dietlein

Publications and source records attributed to T S Dietlein.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

A comparative study of topical vs retrobulbar anesthesia in complicated cataract surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare levels of patient discomfort and perioperative complications during phacoemulsification and implantation of a foldable intraocular lens under topical lidocaine hydrochloride and retrobulbar anesthesia in patients with cataract who also had exfoliation syndrome, uveitis, posterior synechia, phacodonesis, or previous intraocular surgery. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was carried out at 2 institutions. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 476 eyes of 476 patients with various well-established risk factors fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In 238 eyes, phacoemulsification was performed under retrobulbar anesthesia, while the other 238 eyes received topical anesthesia. INTERVENTIONS: All patients underwent temporal clear corneal phacoemulsification and implantation of a foldable intraocular lens. Patients under retrobulbar anesthesia received a single injection (3. 5-5.5 mL) of a combination of 0.75% bupivacaine hydrochloride, 2% lidocaine, and hyaluronidase into the retrobulbar space. Patients in the topical anesthesia group received a minimum of 5 doses (approximately 40 microL per dose) of 2% topical lidocaine. No intracameral injection of any anesthetic was given. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The number of complications and adverse events. The intraoperative conditions were judged by the surgeon (P.C.J. or F.K. J.), and a 10-point visual analog scale was used immediately after surgery to assess each patient's overall severity of intraoperative pain. RESULTS: The overall intraoperative complication rate was 1.9% for capsular tear, 3.8% for zonular tear, 1.5% for vitreous loss, and 1.0% for iris prolapse. Apart from the incidence of vitreous loss, which was significantly (P =.041) lower in the topical anesthesia group, no statistically significant differences in intraoperative and early postoperative complications were found between the groups. A supplemental posterior sub-Tenon space injection was required in 1.3% of the topical anesthesia group and in 0.8% of the retrobulbar anesthesia group. Chemosis (2.5%), subconjunctival hemorrhage (1.7%), and periorbital hematoma (0.8%) were seen only in the retrobulbar anesthesia group. The mean + SE pain scores estimated by the patients were 0.84 + 1.30 in the topical anesthesia group and 0.73 + 1.50 in the retrobulbar anesthesia group (P =.41). Patient preference for topical anesthesia (91%) appeared to be significantly (P =.01) higher than for retrobulbar anesthesia (62%). The surgeons found anesthesia-related intraoperative difficulty to be slightly lower in the retrobulbar anesthesia group (8%) than in the topical anesthesia group (14%). CONCLUSIONS: Surgery-related complications and patient discomfort were similar for the 2 methods of anesthesia. Topical anesthesia is justified as a means of improving safety without causing discomfort to the patient even in complicated cases of cataract surgery. Arch Ophthalmol. 2000;118:1037-1043

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed2000

The risk profile of trabecular aspiration versus trabeculectomy in glaucoma triple procedure.

OBJECTIVE: This study was set up to establish the relative safety and effectiveness of trabecular aspiration in combination with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation (phacoaspiration) for decreasing intraocular pressure (IOP), and to compare the outcome of this method of treatment with that of standard filtering glaucoma triple procedure (phaco-trab). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. PARTICIPANTS: The study consisted of 40 eyes of 40 patients with uncontrolled exfoliation glaucoma without a history of previous intra- or extraocular surgery and in need of cataract surgery. INTERVENTION: Temporal clear corneal phacoemulsification and foldable IOL implantation was performed in all eyes. In the phaco-aspiration group, trabecular aspiration was performed with a suction force of 100-200 mmHg under light tissue-instrument contact using a modified intraocular aspiration probe. A modified Cairns-type trabeculectomy without adjunctive antimetabolites was performed superiorly in the phaco-trab eyes after IOL implantation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The surgical outcome was assessed in terms of IOP change, need for adjunctive glaucoma medication, visual acuity outcome, and incidence of complications. RESULTS: At 1 year after combined surgery, mean (+/-SD) IOP and number of glaucoma medi- cation were 19.5+/-2.7 mmHg and 0.6+/-0.5 in the phaco-aspiration group, compared with 17.5+/-2.4 mmHg and 0.3+/-0.4 in the phaco-trab group. Hyphema (38%) and ocular hypotony (14%) were observed in the phaco-trab group only, whereas blood reflux (52%) and descemetolyses (23%) were seen exclusively in the phaco-aspiration group. CONCLUSION: In exfoliative eyes, trabecular aspiration in combination with phacoemulsification and IOL implantation is less effective in reducing postoperative IOP and number of glaucoma medications than the standard filtering glaucoma triple procedure. The risk profile, however, appears to be more favorable in the phaco-aspiration-treated eyes than in the phaco-trab group. Trabecular aspiration in glaucoma triple procedure could serve as a possible treatment of choice for exfoliative eyes with coexisting cataract and glaucoma.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

Variability of dissection depth in deep sclerectomy: morphological analysis of the deep scleral flap.

BACKGROUND: Deep sclerectomy and similar procedures including a deroofing of Schlemm's canal are meeting with increasing interest owing to the limited risk profile of non-perforating glaucoma surgery. The aim of our study was to investigate how often the outer wall of Schlemm's canal or parts of the trabecular meshwork were incorporated in the excised tissue on deep scleral flap dissection by an experienced glaucoma surgeon. METHODS: The excised deep scleral flap was prepared for light microscopy after performing deep sclerectomy in 7 children and 22 adult patients suffering from glaucoma. Meridional serial sections were checked for the presence of fragments of trabecular beams and collector channels and parts of the endothelial wall of Schlemm's canal. Morphology was compared with the intraoperative appearance of the operated tissue. RESULTS: In 15 patients (52%) the deep scleral flap contained at least some tissue from the outer wall of Schlemm's canal; in 5 of these 15 patients noticeable remnants of the juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork were also found, although only in one patient was this obvious during surgery. In 14 patients (48%) no evidence of the deroofing of Schlemm's canal was found within the excised deep scleral flap, although intraoperatively the dissection seemed to have been too superficial in only 5 patients. CONCLUSION: Even when performed by an experienced glaucoma surgeon, deep sclerectomy produces biopsy material of remarkable morphological variability that does not always correspond to the intraoperative appearance of the site of operation. More than in conventional trabeculectomy this variability may be of importance for the outcome of surgery.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Ultrasound biomicroscopic patterns after glaucoma surgery in congenital glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to demonstrate specific morphologic patterns in congenital glaucoma after various surgical procedures by means of ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and to investigate correlations between UBM morphology and the effectiveness of glaucoma surgery in reducing intraocular pressure. DESIGN: Observational case series. PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Thirty four eyes of 18 consecutive patients, not older than 18 years, with congenital glaucoma and with a history of previous antiglaucomatous surgery underwent UBM examination of the anterior chamber angle in the treatment area and in an untreated region. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The morphology of the anterior chamber angle region and the tissue reflectivity were analyzed. RESULTS: Specific UBM patterns of the anterior chamber angle in congenital glaucoma were observed after goniotomy, trabeculotomy, trabeculectomy, deep sclerectomy, and cyclodialysis. In the first months after surgery, a limited correlation was found between morphology and the success of filtering surgery. Adhesions of the iris or the ciliary processes to the trabeculectomy cleft were detected in 19 of 25 eyes after filtering procedures. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of cloudy cornea and unknown previous glaucoma surgery, UBM can be used to identify the type and localization of previous surgery in congenital glaucoma, thus assisting surgical planning for subsequent glaucoma management. The correlation between UBM morphology and the effectiveness of filtering surgery is less convincing than previously demonstrated in adults, possibly underlining the importance of individual nonsurgical factors for prognosis in congenital glaucoma.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Effect of trabecular aspiration on intraocular pressure in pigment dispersion syndrome and pigmentary glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, we described a new form of nonfiltering glaucoma surgery-trabecular aspiration-designed to increase trabecular outflow in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma. This study was carried out to investigate whether trabecular aspiration is equally safe and effective in the treatment of pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) and pigmentary glaucoma (PG). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized comparative trial with historical control. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty eyes of 20 patients with medically uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) caused by PDS or PG were treated by trabecular aspiration. INTERVENTION: Trabecular pigment particles were cleared with a pressure of 100 to 200 mmHg using a specially designed aspiration probe. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The IOP and number of medications before and after surgery were measured. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were analyzed. Surgical success was defined as IOP < or = 21 mmHg with no more than one topical medication. Results were compared with those previously reported with similar treatment of pseudoexfoliative glaucoma. RESULTS: Mean pretreatment IOP averaged 27.0 (standard deviation [SD], 3.3) mmHg and was significantly reduced to 23.7 (SD, 3.9) mmHg at last follow-up (20.1 +/- 8.6 months). However, the cumulative life-table success rates were only 42% and 15% at 3 and 12 months, respectively. Considering both groups separately, the success rates in the PDS group were 63% and 18% at 3 and 12 months compared with a success rate of 12% in the PG group as early as 1 month after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with PDS responded better to trabecular aspiration than do those with PG, indicating that PDS and PG are two successive stages of the same disease process. Altogether, trabecular aspiration failed to achieve long-term pressure control in either of the two groups.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Complications of endocapsular tension ring implantation in a child with Marfan's syndrome.

A 4-year-old boy with Marfan's syndrome had severe visual impairment after subluxation of the crystalline lens with bisection of the pupil. In the first eye, a capsular tension ring and an intraocular lens (IOL) were uneventfully placed in the capsular bag after phacoemulsification. During implantation of the endocapsular tension ring in the second eye, an inadvertent tear of the anterior capsule occurred, and the posterior chamber IOL was placed in the sulcus. In both eyes, severe lens epithelial proliferation with secondary IOL decentration developed postoperatively. Several surgical revisions were necessary to keep the IOL within the optical axis. In the eye with the sulcus-implanted IOL, the endocapsular tension ring was markedly decentered.

Capsulorhexis↗

PubMed2000

Perspectives in trabecular surgery.

The aim of trabecular surgery is to selectively combat the diseased structure central to the pathogenesis of chronic open-angle glaucoma, thereby reducing potential hazards during and after conventional filtering procedures. This overview considers new techniques in ab interno trabecular surgery. Special emphasis is placed on the description of each novel technique, its instrumentation, presumed mechanism of action and clinical results. Trabecular aspiration is evaluated as a method of clearing intertrabecular spaces of extracellular debris in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma with or without simultaneous cataract surgery or goniocurettage, while laser trabecular ablation is discussed for the treatment of absolute glaucomas. Where corneal haze has formed visualisation of the anterior chamber angle structures and trabecular surgery is performed with the aid of a microendoscope. Although the results are very promising it should be understood that some of these procedures are still in the experimental phase and are undergoing careful clinical evaluation, leaving plenty of room for refinements and further developments.

Endoscopy↗

PubMed2000

Endoscopic surgery in glaucoma management.

Endoscopically-controlled intraocular surgery has been evolving rapidly since the introduction of thinner endoprobes with increasing resolving power and higher image quality. Currently, anti-glaucomatous surgery is also beginning to take advantage of this exciting new technology. This article discusses the two main approaches to glaucoma management using microendoscopic techniques-decreasing aqueous humor production by means of laser endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation and increasing outflow facility through endoscopically-controlled selective trabecular surgery. Besides presenting clinical results, emphasis is placed on different surgeons' accounts of intraoperative endoscopic maneuverability and the spectrum of complications that may be attributed to the endoscopic nature of the surgical intervention.

Endoscopy↗

PubMed2000

Morphological variability of the trabecular meshwork in glaucoma patients: implications for non-perforating glaucoma surgery.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Morphological variability of the trabecular meshwork could be of considerable importance for the proper intraoperative outcome of non-perforating antiglaucomatous surgery, such as deep sclerectomy and viscocanalostomy. The aim of this study was therefore to assess qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the trabecular meshwork in glaucoma patients undergoing trabeculectomy. METHODS: Trabeculectomy specimens from 177 glaucoma patients were prepared for light microscopy; 100 specimens were found to be suitable for qualitative assessment and quantitative computerised image analysis; measurements were taken of the meridional diameter of Schlemm's canal as well as the thickness of the trabecular meshwork at different positions. RESULTS: The mean meridional diameter of Schlemm's canal was 290 microm with the smallest values in the young patients with infantile and secondary glaucomas. the thickness of the trabecular meshwork ranged between 50-70 microm in the anterior region and between 100-130 microm for the posterior portion. The thickness of the anterior meshwork significantly decreased with age. The pigmentation of excised trabecular meshwork was found to be weak or even lacking in 68 patients. In 20 glaucoma patients the uveal meshwork was covered by an endothelial layer. CONCLUSIONS: From the morphological point of view the risk of inadvertent perforation during deep sclerectomy in older, white glaucoma patients should be taken into account even by an experienced surgeon, because the anterior meshwork in these cases is very thin and trabecular pigmentation that can be used as a topographic landmark is often lacking. The functional success of non-perforating glaucoma surgery in many patients may be limited by endothelial covering of the trabecular meshwork.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Comparative study of trabecular aspiration vs trabeculectomy in glaucoma triple procedure to treat pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.

OBJECTIVES: To establish the relative safety and effectiveness of trabecular aspiration in combination with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation (asp+IOL) for decreasing intraocular pressure (IOP), and to compare the outcome of this method of treatment with that of phacoemulsification and IOL implantation alone (IOL-alone) or standard filtering glaucoma triple procedure (triple procedure). DESIGN: Prospective, controlled study randomized with respect to assignment to trabecular aspiration, with a case-control design between the asp+IOL and triple procedure groups. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-four eyes of 74 patients with uncontrolled pseudoexfoliation glaucoma without a history of previous intraocular or extraocular surgery and in need of cataract surgery. Forty-eight patients were randomized to those receiving adjunctive trabecular aspiration (asp+IOL group of 26 eyes) and those given no trabecular aspiration (IOL-alone group of 22 eyes). The triple procedure group consisted of 26 cases, closely matched to the asp+IOL cases in terms of age, sex, cup-disc ratio, glaucoma medication requirements, and systemic diseases. INTERVENTIONS: Temporal clear corneal phacoemulsification and foldable IOL implantation was performed in all eyes. In the asp+IOL group, trabecular aspiration was performed with a suction force of 100 to 200 mm Hg under light tissue-instrument contact using a modified intraocular aspiration probe. A modified Cairns-type trabeculectomy without adjunctive antimetabolites was performed superiorly in the triple procedure eyes after IOL implantation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Surgical outcome was assessed in terms of IOP change, need of adjunctive glaucoma medication, visual acuity outcome, and complications. Surgical failure was defined as an outcome requiring additional surgical intervention or more than 1 medication to achieve IOP control to the target pressure. RESULTS: Two years after surgery, success rates were 36%, 64%, and 78% in the IOL-alone, asp+IOL, and triple procedure groups, respectively (P<.001). Hyphema (46%) and ocular hypotony (11%) were observed in the triple procedure group only, whereas blood reflux (61%) and descemetolysis (19%) were seen exclusively in the asp+IOL group. CONCLUSIONS: In pseudoexfoliative eyes, asp+IOL is significantly more effective than cataract surgery alone in reducing postoperative IOP and the necessity for glaucoma medication. Although trabecular aspiration in the triple procedure did not achieve pressure control in all patients, especially in the low target pressure range, the risk profile appears to be more favorable in the trabecular aspiration-treated eyes than in the filtering glaucoma triple procedure group. Trabecular aspiration in the glaucoma triple procedure could serve as a possible first-line treatment for pseudoexfoliative eyes with coexisting cataract and glaucoma.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

[Revision of iris incarceration after trabeculectomy in congenital glaucoma. A case report].

BACKGROUND: Incarceration of the iris is a potential complication following trabeculectomy in primary congenital glaucoma. Although this complication is mentioned in the literature, nothing is reported about the technique of surgical revision. PATIENT: In a patient with primary congenital glaucoma we had to perform surgical revision of the anterior chamber, because progressive pupil peaking had developed after trabeculectomy and the optical axis had been obstructed. Simple resolving of uveal tissue from the incarceration site was not possible; the iris incarceration had to be cut under gonioscopic control. CONCLUSION: Surgical revision of an incarceration of the iris can be safely performed by means of gonioscopy. The outcome of intraocular pressure is not necessarily influenced.

Female↗

PubMed1999

Goniocurettage for removing trabecular meshwork: clinical results of a new surgical technique in advanced chronic open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To elucidate the long-term outcome of goniocurettage as a new technique in trabecular microsurgery for advanced open-angle glaucoma. METHODS: In a prospective, nonrandomized clinical trial, 25 eyes of 25 patients with a mean age +/- SD of 72.7+/-10.1 years (range, 50 to 89 years) with uncontrolled chronic open-angle glaucoma that had undergone failed filtering procedures were treated by goniocurettage. Trabecular tissue was scraped away from the chamber angle by means of an instrument similar to a microchalazion curette (diameter, 300 microm). RESULTS: Before surgery, intraocular pressure ranged from 29 to 48 mm Hg (mean +/- SD, 34.7+/-7.1 mm Hg), and mean number of antiglaucoma medications was 2.2+/-0.56. Follow-up averaged (+/-SD) 32.6+/-8.1 months (range, 30 to 45 months). Overall success, defined as postoperative intraocular pressure of 19 mm Hg or less with one pressure-reducing agent, was attained in 15 eyes (60%), with five eyes (20%) being controlled without medication. Considering all successfully treated patients, the mean intraocular pressure was 17.7+/-3.1 mm Hg (range, 10 to 19 mm Hg) at the final visit. Mean intraocular pressure reduction was 17.1+/-7.1 mm Hg in these eyes, representing a net decrease from baseline of 49%. Number of antiglaucoma medications dropped to 0.63+/-0.29. Complications included localized Descemet membrane detachment in five eyes (20%) and moderate anterior chamber bleeding in four eyes (16%). CONCLUSIONS: This new surgical technique can effectively control intraocular pressure for long periods of time in patients with open-angle glaucoma and a history of failed filtering procedures. Goniocurettage may be a suitable alternative to surgical treatment of glaucoma patients with excessive conjunctival scarification.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Microendoscopic trabecular surgery in glaucoma management.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of trabecular surgery under microendoscopic control in the management of advanced chronic open-angle glaucoma when the presence of corneal opacification obscures adequate visualization of the anterior segment. STUDY DESIGN: Comparative interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION: Fifteen eyes of 15 patients with medically uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma and moderate-to-severe corneal opacification underwent trabecular surgery under microendoscopic control. Seven eyes were treated by photoablative laser goniopuncture and eight eyes by goniocurettage. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of medications before and after surgery were measured. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: The ophthalmic microendoscope was successfully used in visualizing and identifying the anterior chamber angle structures and in controlling the trabecular surgical procedures in all eyes. The IOP dropped from 34.5 +/- 6.9 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) (range, 27-46 mmHg) under maximal-tolerated medical therapy before surgery to 18.5 +/- 3.0 mmHg (range, 15-23 mmHg) at 21 months after surgery. Medication averaged 2.3 +/- 0.6 before surgery and dropped to 1.0 +/- 0.7 at last follow-up. No difference was observed in the surgical outcome between the laser-treated eyes and those receiving goniocurettage. No severe intraoperative or postoperative complications relating to either the trabecular surgery or to the use of the microendoscope were observed. CONCLUSION: The ophthalmic microendoscope appears to be safe and effective in simultaneously providing illumination, video recording, and clear endoscopic view of the fine details of the anterior chamber angle structures. Microendoscopy enables various trabecular surgical procedures, such as goniocurettage or photoablative laser goniopuncture, which can be performed in the presence of corneal opacification that might otherwise preclude adequate visualization and treatment. It thus appears that microendoscopic trabecular surgery may in the future be considered as an alternative choice of surgical treatment in some cases of open-angle glaucoma.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

[Ultrasound biomicroscopy diagnosis of congenital glaucoma].

BACKGROUND: In children with congenital glaucoma the assessment of the anterior chamber and the chamber angle might be difficult since scarring and opacities of the cornea are often seen. The purpose of our study was to reveal in vivo--morphology of the anterior segment in patients with congenital glaucoma and opaque cornea. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 46 eyes of 23 children with different degrees of corneal opacities we performed ultrasoundbiomicroscopy (UBM) of the anterior chamber after having performed a complete ophthalmological examination in general anesthesia. RESULTS: Massive abnormalities of the anterior segment morphology were detected in 5 eyes with completely cloudy cornea. In eyes with partial opacity of the cornea, UBM gave additional information concerning the anterior chamber angle topography, as iris remnants in aniridia, or anterior synechia. CONCLUSION: Especially in cases with extensive corneal opacities the UBM allows us to get morphological and topographic information about the anterior segment and helps to establish an individual strategy for surgical management.

Anterior Eye Segment↗

PubMed1999

Prognosis of primary ab externo surgery for primary congenital glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: The strategy of pressure reducing surgery in primary congenital glaucoma has changed over the last decade. Ab externo filtering procedures--for example, trabeculectomy or trabeculotomy combined with trabeculectomy, have now been accepted even as primary intervention. METHODS: The authors reviewed 61 eyes in 35 consecutive patients with primary congenital glaucoma, who underwent different types of initial ab externo surgery between 1988 and 1996 (median follow up 36 months) to determine the efficacy of different surgical techniques and the influence of various risk factors. RESULTS: Trabeculotomy was performed in 17 eyes (27.9%), trabeculotomy with trabeculectomy in 15 eyes (24.6%), and trabeculectomy in 29 eyes (47.5%). Regarding age, preoperative intraocular pressure, corneal diameter, ocular axial length, and incidence of corneal haze the subgroups were comparable. Success rates of trabeculotomy, trabeculectomy, and a combined procedure did not significantly differ when assessed by life table analysis. Patient age under 3 months (p = 0.014) and an ocular axial length of 24 mm or more (p = 0.016) proved to be major risk factors for primary ab externo surgery failure. A second operation was necessary in 20 of 61 eyes (32.8%) during follow up. CONCLUSION: Prognosis of primary ab externo glaucoma surgery in primary congenital glaucoma seems to be governed more by the individual course and severity of the disease than by modification of surgical techniques.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1998

Erbium: YAG laser trabecular ablation (LTA) in the surgical treatment of glaucoma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Laser trabecular ablation (LTA) aims to remove trabecular tissue and to open Schlemm's canal in order to improve outflow facility in glaucomatous eyes. The purpose of our study was to investigate the pressure-reducing effect of LTA in chronic open-angle glaucoma 1 year following laser surgery. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven eyes of 11 patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma were treated by circumscribed laser ablation of the trabecular meshwork. We used an Erbium:YAG laser (2.94 microm) with a quartz fiber contact endoprobe (320 microm core-diameter, 385 microm coating-diameter) applying 11-30 single neighbouring laser pulses (5-7 mJ) to the trabecular meshwork by an ab-interno approach. Laser procedure was gonioscopically visualized. RESULTS: Mean maximum intraocular pressure (IOP) of all 11 patients before LTA was 36 mmHg and dropped down to 22 mmHg after a mean follow-up of 12 months following LTA; this represents an IOP decrease of 38% (P=0.008). The average number of medications per eye dropped from 2.8 to 1.5 per eye (P=0.021). CONCLUSION: Although IOP lowering effect of Erbium:YAG laser trabecular ablation did not prove as effective as in filtering procedures, LTA might be a valuable alternative in glaucoma surgery especially in order to avoid conjunctival scarring and postoperative hypotony.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Immunohistochemical distribution of type VI collagen in normal and glaucomatous human trabecular meshwork.

BACKGROUND: An abnormally increased presence of type VI collagen has been shown in the lamina cribrosa of patients with primary and secondary glaucoma. This study was undertaken to investigate the pattern of type VI collagen within the aqueous outflow structures of glaucoma patients. METHODS: Trabecular meshwork samples of eight normal donor eyes and trabeculectomy specimens of 21 patients with different types of glaucoma were processed for either cryo-sectioning or for paraffin embedding. Immunohistochemical staining was conducted by use of polyclonal rabbit antibodies against human collagen type VI. RESULTS: Immunoreactivity for type VI collagen was evident in the cores of all trabecular beams. The strongest staining was detected in the uveal region of the human trabecular meshwork. Immunohistochemical labelling for type VI collagen was not more pronounced in the aqueous outflow structures of glaucoma patients than in normal eyes. CONCLUSION: Collagen type VI is a ubiquitous structural component of the extracellular matrix in the human trabecular meshwork. However, type VI collagen does not appear to be of greater importance for the increased trabecular outflow resistance in glaucoma patients than in normal eyes.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Adjunctive mitomycin C in primary trabeculectomy in young adults: a long-term study of case-matched young patients.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of initial mitomycin C (MMC)-augmented trabeculectomy for uncomplicated glaucoma in young patients. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on all glaucoma patients aged between 15 and 40 years without previous surgery that underwent initial trabeculectomy with MMC between 1988 and 1995 at the University Eye Hospital of Cologne. Success (survival) was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 21 mmHg or lower, with (qualified success) or without (complete success) glaucoma medications. The results were compared with a case-matched control group that did not receive antiproliferative therapy. RESULTS: Eleven eyes of 11 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria of initial MMC-augmented trabeculectomy. Using cumulative life-table analysis the success rate was 91% at 1 year and 73% at 5 years for the control group. For the MMC group the success rate was 91% at 1 year and 5 years, respectively. At final visit, mean IOP was significantly (P < 0.001) lower for the MMC group (13.3 +/- 3.9 mmHg) than for controls (18.0 +/- 1.3 mmHg). Significant differences were also found in the complication rate: complications associated with excessive aqueous overfiltration, such as shallow anterior chamber (36%), choroidal detachment (45%) and persistent hypotony (27%), featured particularly in the MMC group. Conversely, scarring of the filtering bleb (18%) and Tenon's cysts (18%) were observed exclusively in control eyes. CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that initial MMC trabeculectomy for uncomplicated glaucoma in young patients significantly reduces IOP and number of adjunctive medications, postoperatively, albeit at the price of a high incidence of hypotony.

Adolescent↗