Purpose of review: This article examines the current literature reporting updates on trabeculectomy techniques, complications, and cost-effectiveness.
Recent findings: Trabeculectomy continues to be the standard for glaucoma surgery when a low intraocular pressure is required. Recent publications describe technique modifications that successfully increase efficacy and lower complications. There is also an ongoing effort to define the role of trabeculectomy in the management of glaucoma from a cost and public health standpoint.
Summary: The current literature continues to support the use of trabeculectomy as a method of lowering intraocular pressure in glaucoma management. Efficacy has been improved by ongoing surgical innovation, and reported complication rates are lower than those previously noted. Trabeculectomy has a favorable cost-benefit profile when compared with medical therapy or other surgical techniques. In spite of these ongoing changes, trabeculectomy appears to be decreasing in frequency in favor of newer surgeries and medications.