Assessing microcatheter-assisted 360-degree trabeculotomy combined with trabeculectomy for refractory glaucoma:...

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of microcatheter-assisted 360-degree trabeculotomy combined with trabeculectomy (MATT-Trab) for treating refractory glaucoma.

Patients with refractory glaucoma who underwent MATT-Trab were retrospectively examined. Efficacy indicators for research statistics included the intraocular pressure (IOP) level, degree of decrease, changes in medication dosage, and success rate. Safety indicators included the best-corrected visual acuity and incidence of complications.

This study comprised 31 patients, including 11 males and 20 females, with ages ranging from 8mo to 67y (mean age: 29.40±22.10y). The average postoperative IOP at 1d, 1wk, 1mo, 3mo, 6mo, 1y, and the last follow-up was significantly lower than the average preoperative IOP (31.33±9.24 mm Hg, P<0.05). The average number of postoperative medications at 1y was 0.48±1.51, which was significantly reduced compared to that used preoperatively (3.77±0.99, P=0.00). The absolute and qualified success rates were 45.16% and 83.87%, respectively. Visual acuity exhibited no statistically significant difference between the postoperative and preoperative follow-up time points, except for the first day after surgery. The most common postoperative complications were anterior chamber hemorrhage (25 cases, 86.21%) and high IOP (10 cases, 34.48%).

Our results indicate that MATT-Trab is effective and safe for treating refractory glaucoma.