[Results of filtering trabeculotomy (FTO) compared to conventional trabeculectomy (TE)-a matched case control study]

The aim of this study was to examine the 2‑year results of filtering trabeculotomy (FTO) compared to conventional trabeculectomy (TE) in primary open-angle glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, and pigmentary glaucoma.

Thirty consecutive patients after FTO and 87 patients after TE were included in the study. Both groups were matched 1:3 according to age and intraocular pressure (IOP). The primary endpoint was reaching the target IOP after 2 years. An IOP without medication of ≤ 18 mm Hg and an IOP reduction of ≥ 30% were defined as complete success, and as qualified success with medication. Secondary endpoints were mean IOP reduction, resulting visual acuity, complications and subsequent operations. The surgical technique of the FTO is available as a video for this article.

The 2‑year data from 27 patients with FTO and 68 patients with TE were evaluated. The patients in both groups were matched according to age and IOP but were also homogeneous with respect to visual acuity, gender, and medication. The preoperative IOP with glaucoma medication was 23.0 mm Hg in both groups. According to the defined criteria, a qualified 2‑year success was achieved in 70.4% of the FTO group and in 77.6% of the TE group (p = 0.60) and a complete 2‑year success in 33.3% of the FTO group and 56.7% of the TE group (p = 0.07). The IOP was significantly reduced after 24 months in both surgical groups (p < 0.001) and was 12.8 mm Hg in the FTO group and 11.0 mm Hg in the TE group. Visual acuity was moderately reduced postoperatively but did not differ significantly between the two groups. Complication and reoperation rates were low and not different between both groups.

The results of FTO and TE are largely similar after 2 years in terms of complete and qualified success rate, lowering of IOP, visual acuity, and complications.