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Updated: Jul 31, 2026

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Transcanalicular Diode Laser-assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy for the Treatment of Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Published on: October 13, 2017
[Glaucoma drainage device obstruction].
I Gómez Ledesma1, E Gutiérrez Díaz, M Montero Rodríguez
1Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain. igomezledesma@yahoo.com
Archivos De La Sociedad Espanola De Oftalmologia
|August 3, 2004
Summary
Tube obstruction is a common issue after glaucoma drainage device surgery. Blood clots are the most frequent cause, often treatable with clot removal or rTPA, while vitreous obstruction requires vitrectomy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Glaucoma Research
- Surgical Complications
Context:
- Glaucoma drainage device (GDD) surgery is frequently complicated by tube obstruction.
- Understanding the causes and effective treatments for GDD tube obstruction is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose:
- To investigate the pathophysiology of glaucoma drainage device tube obstruction.
- To evaluate various treatment strategies for resolving GDD tube obstruction.
Summary:
- A retrospective review of 81 eyes with GDDs identified 11 cases of tube obstruction.
- Obstructions were primarily proximal, caused by blood clots (6 cases), vitreous (3 cases), or fibrinous membranes (1 case).
- Treatments included Nd-Yag laser, anterior vitrectomy, clot removal, and intracameral rTPA, with varying degrees of success.
Impact:
- Identifies blood clots and vitreous as primary causes of GDD tube obstruction.
- Highlights effective interventions such as clot removal, rTPA, and anterior vitrectomy.
- Suggests prophylactic posterior capsulotomy in pseudophakic patients to potentially prevent obstruction.
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