[Initial clinical experience with deep sclerectomy in ambulatory surgery in glaucoma]

Deep sclerectomy is a non-perforating filtering operation used in surgical treatment of open angle glaucomas. The advantage of the operation is the creation of gradual filtration due to the thin trabecular Descement membrane which reduces markedly the risk of development of postoperative complications typical for perforating antiglaucomatous operations. The authors operated at the out-patient department 10 eyes of 8 patients (age 46-81 years). Indications for deep sclerectomy was seven times primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), once capsular glaucoma and twice normotensive glaucoma (NTG). In all eyes deep sclerectomy was indicated because of decompensation of the intraocular pressure with maximum tolerated therapy before surgery. None of the eyes were operated previously. The mean value of intraocular pressure before surgery was 25.1 +/- 6.5 mm Hg. From the results ensues that in nine operated eyes the intraocular pressure at the end of the 6-month follow-up period was compensated without supplementary therapy, only in one eye beta-blockers were prescribed one month after surgery. The cause of failure of filtration was the development of superficial adherence at the site of microperforatiion of the trabecular Descemet membrane which developed during operation. The mean intraocular pressure values at the end of the investigation period were 14.3 +/- 2.8 mm Hg. In two eyes haemorrhage into the anterior chamber was observed on the first day after surgery, the blood was absorbed within 24 hours. Hypotonia in two eyes was only transient and was not associated with a change in the depth of the anterior chamber or other complications. In none of the patients a decline of visual acuity was observed. In three operated eyes a change of refraction was necessary due to discontinuation of miotics after surgery. Deep sclerectomy is a delicate microsurgical technique which calls for experience and skill of the surgeon. The most complicated task is to prevent perforation of the trabecular Descemet membrane during surgery. Provided the surgical technique is perfect, it burdens the patient less than commonly performed perforating antiglaucomatous operations and it can be implemented in the out-patient department.