[The late results of protected goniotrepanation]

The analysis of 737 goniotrepanation with scleral protection shows the higher efficacy of this operation in comparison with other protected fistulizing operations. The normalization of the intraocular pressure persisted in 97% of cases a year after the operation and in 80% five years. According to the evolutive stage of the disease, 50% of the operations were performed in the second stage of glaucoma, 13% in the advanced and quasi-absolute glaucoma stage and only 17% in the initial stage of the disease. The normalization of the intraocular pressure was directly proportional to the evolutive stage of glaucoma. The intraoperative incidents were minimal and the reduced postoperative complications did not influence the visual function. Owing to the simplicity of the technique and to the better results over time, authors prefer protected goniotrepanation to other fistulizing operations.