[The efficacy of a microtrabecular prosthesis in the surgery of refractory glaucomas]

A new model of intermediate artificial drainage system (called microtrabeculoprosthesis--MTP) in the surgery of refractory glaucoma is suggested. The prospective study includes 37 operated cases followed up for an average interval of 18.2 months (ranges 11 and 72 months). Surgery is not difficult, and MTP is very well tolerated. A relief of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP < or = 20 mm Hg) was obtained in 73% of the cases (with or without additional antiglaucoma drugs); the irritative phenomena have disappeared in preterminal and absolute glaucoma; the overall therapeutic success rate was 86.5%. The results obtained with MTP are definitely superior to those by conventional surgery but inferior to modern posterior artificial drainage systems (with ameliorative techniques); the rate of postoperative complications is small, and their severity is minimal. In the absence of modern posterior artificial drainage systems. MTP is an efficient solution for the treatment of refractory glaucoma.