Intraluminal Suture Placement for Management of Hypotony After Glaucoma Drainage Device Surgery

J Glaucoma. 2024 Aug 1;33(8):607-611. doi: 10.1097/IJG.0000000000002381. Epub 2024 Mar 28.

Abstract

Précis: Intraluminal 3-0 Supramid stent placement can be an effective long-term solution for hypotony after glaucoma drainage device surgery. This procedure may obviate the need for conjunctival dissection. In some cases, additional procedures are required.

Purpose: To describe the utility of implantation of a multifilament polyamide suture (Supramid) in the tube lumen to reverse hypotony after glaucoma drainage device (GDD) surgery.

Patients: Patients who underwent tube revision with intraluminal placement of a 3-0 Supramid stent, with or without external ligature, to manage hypotony following GDD surgery between January 2010 and October 2020.

Methods: Resolution of hypotony was defined as IOP >5 mm Hg and the absence of hypotony-related structural abnormalities. Overall success was the absence of failure criteria (IOP ≤5 mm Hg, >21 mm Hg, or <20% reduction below baseline IOP after 3 months for 2 consecutive study visits; additional glaucoma surgery; or loss of light perception), with or without adjunctive ocular hypotensive therapy.

Results: Nine eyes of 9 patients underwent placement of a 3-0 Supramid stent with a resolution of hypotony in all eyes with a mean follow-up duration of 33.3 ±24.0 months. Overall success was achieved in 7 of 9 eyes. Four eyes required intervention after stent placement: 1 eye required selective laser trabeculoplasty followed by replacement of the original stent with a shorter 3-0 Supramid suture and external ligature; 1 eye underwent revision for tube exposure; and 2 eyes underwent laser suture lysis to release an external suture ligature.

Conclusions: In cases of hypotony after GDD, particularly when it is desirable to reduce the extent of additional conjunctival dissection, intraluminal placement of a 3-0 Supramid stent via an intracameral approach can be an effective long-term solution. Postoperative adjustments were required in many cases.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Glaucoma Drainage Implants*
  • Glaucoma* / physiopathology
  • Glaucoma* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure* / physiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ocular Hypotension* / etiology
  • Ocular Hypotension* / physiopathology
  • Ocular Hypotension* / surgery
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Reoperation
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Stents*
  • Suture Techniques*
  • Sutures
  • Tonometry, Ocular