Comparative study of three phacotrabeculectomy procedures through a single incision

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Surgery
• Intraocular Pressure Management

Background:

• Glaucoma management often requires surgical intervention to lower intraocular pressure (IOP).
• Combined phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy offer a single-incision solution for cataracts and glaucoma.
• Comparing different phacotrabeculectomy techniques is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the efficacy of three distinct phacotrabeculectomy techniques.
• To assess intraocular pressure reduction, bleb survival, visual improvement, and complications.
• To determine the optimal surgical approach based on desired IOP reduction.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 28 glaucoma patients undergoing phacotrabeculectomy with intraocular lens implantation.
• Three surgical groups: no-stitch (Group A), modified T-flap (Group B), and sutured (Group C) phacotrabeculectomy.
• Follow-up for 6 months to assess IOP, visual acuity, complications, and medication use.

Main Results:

• Phacotrabeculectomy with sutures (Group C) demonstrated the most significant IOP reduction (11.55 mm Hg).
• Statistically significant differences in IOP reduction were observed between the groups (p < 0.05).
• Group C also showed superior bleb survival rates; no significant differences in visual improvement or complications were noted.

Conclusions:

• The choice of phacotrabeculectomy technique significantly influences IOP reduction efficacy.
• Sutured phacotrabeculectomy (Group C) is most effective for achieving substantial IOP lowering.
• Surgical technique selection should be guided by the target IOP reduction for individual glaucoma patients.