Early bleb leak after trabeculectomy and prognosis for bleb failure

To determine whether early bleb leak after MMC trabeculectomy affects intermediate intraocular pressure (IOP) outcome.

Retrospective case note review. All cases of MMC trabeculectomy with at least 1-year follow-up were included. Cases where a bleb leak occurred within the first month were identified. All cases without an early bleb leak formed the control group. Patient demographics and clinical factors were analysed to determine any factors predisposing to bleb leakage. IOPs were compared for 1 year postoperatively and final follow-up.

A total of 119 trabeculectomies were included. Of these 27 (22.7%) had an early bleb leak. The remaining 92 cases formed the control group. Mean age of cases was 70.7 years. Mean follow-up time was 19.5 months. Mean time of detection of the bleb leak was 9 days (range 1-21 days). Four cases (14.8%) were managed by primary resuturing. Thirteen cases (48.1%) were managed conservatively with a bandage contact lens. Ten cases (37.0%) resolved with expectant management. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with regards to IOP measurement at any time point. Intervention rates were similar with regards to bleb massage, 5-fluorouracil injection, and needling revision. No factors were identified between the two groups that predisposed to bleb leaks occurring.

Our data suggest that early bleb leak is not a poor prognostic indicator for intermediate bleb survival and IOP control in patients undergoing MMC trabeculectomy. No additional bleb manipulations compared with the control group were required to achieve a satisfactory IOP outcome.