[The clinical study of endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation on the management of refractory glaucoma]

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) in the management of refractory glaucoma.

ECP procedures were performed on fifty-one eyes of 47 patients with refractory glaucoma by using the Microprobe (Endo Optiks, URAM E2) integrated laser endoscope system. All patients were followed-up from 6 to 16 months (mean 10.8 months), with four eyes receiving a second treatment. The changes of intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity and complication were pre- and post-operatively observed.

Compared to preoperation, the IOP of postoperation was significantly (P < 0.01) decreased at week 1, 4, 12, and 24 [(35.3 +/- 13.0) mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) vs (19.9 +/- 13.2) mm Hg, (22.0 +/- 11.6) mm Hg, (17.6 +/- 11.6) mm Hg, and (17.0 +/- 10.4) mm Hg, x +/- s, respectively]. The mean number of IOP-decreased drugs used was significantly (P < 0.01) reduced from 3.3 to 1.0 of postoperation. 51.0% of all 51 eyes with the postoperative IOP less than 21 mm Hg did not receive any drug, and 25.5% with supplemental drug treatment. The visual acuity was significantly (P < 0.01) improved postoperatively. Postoperative hyphema were found in 4 eyes, fibrous exudates in 23 eyes, and exudative choroids detachment in 2 eyes, all of which occurred at the early postoperative stage and were healed within 2-16 days. No other complications were observed.

ECP is a safe and effective procedure for the management of refractory glaucoma without serious complications.