[Postoperative follow-up after goniotrepanation with fornix-based conjunctival flap]

Goniotrephination with a fornix-based conjunctival flap was performed in 60 glaucomatous eyes. The postoperative course was monitored with special reference to intraocular pressure, anterior chamber depth, choroidal detachment and external fistulation. Some degree of choroidal detachment was observed in 1/3 of cases, extending centrally to the equator in only 11% and centrally to the vessel arcade in none. The anterior chamber was found to have become shallow in 16%, but this persisted longer than 3 days in only 6.7%. In 13.3% a external fistula arising from the conjunctival wound persisted for more than 1 day. The described technique with a fornix-based conjunctival flap and meander-like suture at the limbus further reduces the frequency and severity of complications in filtering surgery.