A Novel Technique for Recurrent Tube Exposure Repair

Purpose. Tube exposure can lead to vision-threatening consequences and requires prompt surgical attention. Posterior repositioning of the tube to the pars plana has previously been reported as a successful technique. However, this method requires a pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Here, we describe a novel technique of repositioning the tube into the ciliary sulcus without requiring PPV. Methods. This is a retrospective interventional case report of two patients who had undergone prior glaucoma drainage device implantation and prior tube exposure repair and developed recurrent tube exposure. Tube exposure in the subjects was repaired by repositioning the tube in the ciliary sulcus. Results. The two eyes remained exposure free postoperatively with 51- and 60-month follow-ups. Conclusions. Repositioning the tube to the ciliary sulcus may be an effective technique to avoid reexposure.

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Combined pars plana glaucoma drainage device placement and vitrectomy using a vitrectomy sclerotomy site for tube placement: a case series

BMC Ophthalmology ◽

10.1186/s12886-021-01872-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Enchi Kristina Chang ◽

Sanchay Gupta ◽

Marika Chachanidze ◽

John B. Miller ◽

Ta Chen Chang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Pars Plana Vitrectomy ◽

Case Series ◽

Tube Placement ◽

Glaucoma Drainage Device ◽

Drainage Device ◽

Glaucoma Drainage Devices ◽

Pars Plana ◽

Sclerotomy Site

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study is to report the safety and efficacy of pars plana glaucoma drainage devices with pars plana vitrectomy using one of the vitrectomy sclerotomy sites for tube placement in patients with refractory glaucoma. Methods Retrospective case series of 28 eyes of 28 patients who underwent combined pars plana glaucoma drainage device and pars plana vitrectomy between November 2016 and September 2019 at Massachusetts Eye and Ear. Main outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma medication burden, best corrected visual acuity, and complications. Statistical tests were performed with R and included Kaplan-Meier analyses, Wilcoxon paired signed-rank tests, and Fisher tests. Results Mean IOP decreased from 22.8 mmHg to 11.8 mmHg at 1.5 years (p = 0.002), and mean medication burden decreased from 4.3 to 2.1 at 1.5 years (p = 0.004). Both IOP and medication burden were significantly lower at all follow-up time points. The probability of achieving 5 < IOP ≤ 18 mmHg with at least 20% IOP reduction from preoperative levels was 86.4% at 1 year and 59.8% at 1.5 years. At their last visit, three eyes (10.7%) achieved complete success with IOP reduction as above without medications, and 14 eyes (50.0%) achieved qualified success with medications. Hypotony was observed in 1 eye (3.6%) prior to 3 months postoperatively and 0 eyes after 3 months. Visual acuity was unchanged or improved in 23 eyes (82.1%) at their last follow-up. Two patients had a visual acuity decrease of > 2 lines. Two eyes required subsequent pars plana vitrectomies for tube obstruction, and one eye had transient hypotony. Conclusions The results of pars plana glaucoma drainage device and pars plana vitrectomy using one of the vitrectomy sclerotomy sites for tube placement are promising, resulting in significant IOP and medication-burden reductions through postoperative year 1.5 without additional risk of postoperative complications. Inserting glaucoma drainage devices into an existing vitrectomy sclerotomy site may potentially save surgical time by obviating the need to create another sclerotomy for tube placement and suture one of the vitrectomy ports.

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Hyaluronidase injection for improved tissue dissection in Baerveldt tube surgery

European Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.5301/ejo.5001065 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 28 (3) ◽

pp. 339-340

Author(s):

Alon Zahavi ◽

John R. Grigg

Keyword(s):

Postoperative Complications ◽

Glaucoma Drainage Device ◽

Ocular Surgery ◽

Novel Technique ◽

Drainage Device ◽

Early Stages ◽

Device Implantation ◽

Tissue Dissection ◽

Tissue Trauma ◽

Baerveldt Tube

Purpose: To describe a novel technique for tissue dissection during Baerveldt tube surgery. Methods: We present a technique for posterior dissection of conjunctiva and Tenon tissue for the placement of a glaucoma drainage device. Hyaluronidase is used in the early stages of surgery in order to minimize tissue trauma and facilitate easy dissection even through existing adhesions and conjunctival scarring. Results: The technique facilitates convenient dissection through tissues. We did not experience any intraoperative or postoperative complications. Conclusions: The described technique has substantial advantages for Baerveldt tube surgery, specifically in cases of previous ocular surgery and subsequent conjunctival scarring. It is safe and easy to perform, and should be considered in cases of glaucoma drainage device implantation surgeries.

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