Combined phacoemulsification-viscosynechialysis-trabeculotomy vs phacotrabeculectomy in uncontrolled primary...

To compare the effect on intraocular pressure (IOP) of phacoemulsification combined with viscosynechialysis and trabeculotomy with that of phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy in eyes with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) and visually significant cataract.

Mansoura Ophthalmic Center, Mansoura University, Egypt.

Prospective case series.

This prospective randomized study included patients with uncontrolled PACG and visually significant cataract presenting between 2012 and 2017. The eyes were randomized to phacoemulsification combined with viscosynechialysis and trabeculotomy (phaco-viscosynechialysis group) or phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy (phacotrabeculectomy group). Success (true and qualified) (IOP <18 mm Hg without sight-threatening complications) was studied 24 months postoperatively. Intraoperative complications were noted. The primary outcome measure was the IOP before and after surgery.

The study comprised 59 eyes of 59 patients with a mean age of 59.8 years ± 6.8 (SD) in the phaco-viscosynechialysis group (30 eyes) and 60.3 ± 6.3 years in the phacotrabeculectomy group (29 eyes) (P = .704). The mean preoperative IOP was 28.7 ± 2.14 mm Hg in the phaco-viscosynechialysis group and 28.5 ± 2.11 mm Hg in the phacotrabeculectomy group; the mean at 24 months was 14.5 ± 2.8 mm Hg and 17.3 ± 2.2 mm Hg, respectively (P < .001). The total success rate at 24 months was 90% and 83%, respectively.

Although both techniques were relatively safe and effective in reducing IOP for at least 2 years in eyes with PACG, combined phacoemulsification-viscosynechialysis-trabeculotomy gave better outcomes.