Conjunctival repair after glaucoma drainage device exposure using collagen-glycosaminoglycane matrices

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Glaucoma drainage device surgery can lead to conjunctival erosions.
• Exposed tubes due to scleral flap and conjunctival necrosis pose a surgical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of collagen-glycosaminoglycan matrices (CGM) in repairing conjunctival defects after glaucoma drainage device surgery.

Main Methods:

• A case series of 8 patients with conjunctival defects and exposed tubes post-Baerveldt surgery.
• Repair involved lateral tube displacement and patching with a CGM slice, covered by conjunctiva.

Main Results:

• All 8 patients achieved successful and lasting closure of conjunctival defects.
• No side-effects or complications were observed during 12 to 42 months of follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Conjunctival erosion and tube exposure after glaucoma drainage device implantation is a significant complication.
• Biodegradable CGM serves as an effective patch for managing these erosions.