An Ex-Press implant versus trabeculectomy in a fibrotic bleb with late failure after previous trabeculectomy

摘要

AIM: To compare the outcome of an Ex-Press implant and subscleral trabeculectomy(SST) in the management of glaucoma after previous trabeculectomy on a fibrotic bleb.METHODS: This randomized prospective study included 28 eyes from 28 patients(age range: 42-55 y) with primary open angle glaucoma(POAG) presented with elevated intraocular pressure(IOP) with fibrotic bleb despite previous SST for more than 4 mo. The eyes enrolled in the study were divided into two groups: group I(subjected to Ex-Press implant surgery) and group II [subjected to SST with mitomycin C(MMC)]. The follow-up continued one year after surgery to evaluate IOP, visual acuity(VA), visual field(VF), and postoperative complications. RESULTS: A significant decrease in IOP was found in both groups with a higher reduction in Ex-Press implant surgery with the mean IOP of 14.50 mm Hg(P=0.001), while the SST group recorded the mean IOP of 16.50 mm Hg(P=0.001) after one year. However, the difference between the two groups in terms of the decrease in IOP was insignificant. Fewer postoperative complications were recorded in the Ex-Press implant surgery and more cases requiring further anti-glaucomatous medications were seen in the SST group. Both groups showed stability in terms of VA and VF.CONCLUSION: Ex-Press implant surgery and SST with MMC are two surgical alternatives for controlling IOP in late failure that occurs more than 4 mo after previous SST with a fibrotic bleb. However, Ex-Press shunt is a safer surgery with fewer complications.