Comparison of deep sclerectomy with collagen implant and trabeculectomy in open-angle glaucoma

To assess the efficacy and postoperative complications of deep sclerectomy with collagen implant (DSCI), a nonpenetrating filtration procedure.

Glaucoma Unit, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.

Forty-four eyes of 44 patients with medically uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma had DSCI and a matched control group of 44 patients, trabeculectomy. A superficial scleral flap was raised and a deep sclerectomy performed in the scleral bed. Schlemm's canal was opened, and the cornea was dissected to Descemet's membrane. At that stage, aqueous filtered through the remaining trabeculo-Descemet's membrane. A collagen implant was sutured radially in the scleral bed; the scleral flap and conjunctiva were then closed. Examinations were performed before surgery and postoperatively at 1 and 7 days and 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 months.

The mean follow-up was 14.4 months +/- 6.3 (SD) (range 3 to 24 months). The mean preoperative intraoperative pressure (IOP) was 26.7 +/- 7.3 mm Hg. The mean postoperative IOP was 6.1 +/- 4.5 mm Hg at 1 day and 11.0 +/- 4.4 mm Hg at 1 week; it remained stable for the next 24 months. The success rate, defined as an IOP lower than 21.0 mm Hg without medication, was 69% in the DSCI group and 57% in the trabeculectomy group at 24 months postoperatively (P = .047). The number of postoperative complications was significantly lower in the DSCI group than in the trabeculectomy group.

The success rate of DSCI may be comparable to that of trabeculectomy, with fewer complications.