Comparative results of combined procedures for glaucoma and cataract: II. Limbus-based versus fornix-based conjunctival flaps

Ophthalmic Surg Lasers. 1997 Jul;28(7):551-7.

Abstract

Background and objective: One of the variables to be considered in a combined procedure for glaucoma and cataract is the type of conjunctival flap to be used. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of limbus-based and fornix-based conjunctival flaps on postoperative long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) control and visual acuity after combined trabeculectomy with phacoemulsification.

Patients and methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed the charts of 189 patients (215 eyes) who underwent combined trabeculectomy with phacoemulsification, posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, and intraoperative mitomycin-C administration and who had a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The results of the limbus-based (151 eyes) versus fornix-based (64 eyes) conjunctival incisions used in these combined procedures were compared.

Results: In the limbus-based conjunctival flap group, 146 eyes (97%) achieved an IOP of less than 20 mm Hg, with or without medication; 62 eyes (97%) of the fornix-based conjunctival flap group (P > .05) achieved this result. A visual acuity of 20/40 or better was noted in 106 eyes (70%) in the limbus-based conjunctival flap group and in 45 eyes (70%) in the fornix-based conjunctival flap group (P > .05) at the last examination. Early wound leakage was observed more frequently in the fornix-based conjunctival flap group (8% vs 1%) (P = .014); however, it was not a serious clinical problem, as only 1 eye required surgical repair. Posterior capsular opacification was found more often in the limbus-based conjunctival flap group (25% vs 14%) (P = .072) and required more frequent laser capsulotomy (22% vs 9%) (P = 0.03).

Conclusion: Limbus-based and fornix-based conjunctival flaps appear to be comparable with respect to postoperative IOP control and visual acuity after a combined trabeculectomy with phacoemulsification and posterior chamber IOL implantation in cases supplemented by intraoperative mitomycin-C.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Aged
  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / administration & dosage
  • Cataract / complications*
  • Cataract / physiopathology
  • Conjunctiva / surgery*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Glaucoma / physiopathology
  • Glaucoma / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure
  • Intraoperative Period
  • Limbus Corneae / surgery*
  • Male
  • Mitomycin / administration & dosage
  • Ophthalmic Solutions
  • Phacoemulsification*
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surgical Flaps / methods*
  • Suture Techniques
  • Trabeculectomy / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic
  • Ophthalmic Solutions
  • Mitomycin