Pericardium plug in the repair of the corneoscleral fistula after Ahmed Glaucoma Valve explantation

Korean J Ophthalmol. 2008 Dec;22(4):268-71. doi: 10.3341/kjo.2008.22.4.268.

Abstract

We report four cases in which a pericardium (Tutoplast) plug was used to repair a corneoscleral fistula after Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) explantation. In four cases in which the AGV tube had been exposed, AGV explantation was performed using a pericardium (Tutoplast) plug to seal the defect previously occupied by the tube. After debridement of the fistula, a piece of processed pericardium (Tutoplast), measured 1 mm in width, was plugged into the fistula and secured with two interrupted 10-0 nylon sutures. To control intraocular pressure, a new AGV was implanted elsewhere in case 1, phaco-trabeculectomy was performed concurrently in case 2, cyclophotocoagulation was performed postoperatively in case 3 and anti-glaucomatous medication was added in case 4. No complication related to the fistula developed at the latest follow-up (range: 12-26 months). The pericardium (Tutoplast) plug seems to be an effective method in the repair of corneoscleral fistulas resulting from explantation of glaucoma drainage implants.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Corneal Diseases / etiology
  • Corneal Diseases / surgery*
  • Device Removal / adverse effects
  • Fistula / etiology
  • Fistula / surgery*
  • Glaucoma Drainage Implants*
  • Glaucoma, Neovascular / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pericardium / transplantation*
  • Postoperative Complications*
  • Reoperation
  • Scleral Diseases / etiology
  • Scleral Diseases / surgery*
  • Suture Techniques