Six year outcomes of combined phacoemulsification surgery and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation in refractory glaucoma.

PURPOSE: This study is to describe the 6-year results of combined phacoemulsification surgery and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (Phaco-ECP) surgery in patients with uncontrolled glaucoma and no previous glaucoma surgery.

METHODS

This is a retrospective case series of 84 eyes. The primary outcome measure was intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction 6 years postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures were the cumulative probability of failure of the surgical procedure at 6 years. Failure was defined as IOP higher than 21 mm Hg or lower than 6 mm Hg or IOP not reduced by 20% from baseline at the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6-year time points or further laser or other surgery to reduce IOP at any timepoint.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant decrease in mean IOP from 18.9 mmHg pre-operatively to 13.7, 12.8, 13.0, 12.7, 12.5, and 12.3 mmHg at the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 years post-operatively respectively (p < 0.001). Fifty-seven (68%) reached criteria for failure by 6 years. In 36% of cases, this was due to inadequate IOP control, whereas 32% required further laser or surgery. When we excluded patients who only had selective laser trabeculoplasty rather than further surgery, the failure rate reduced to 51%. Eleven percent had a post-operative complication, 2.4% requiring further surgical intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

At 6 years postoperatively, combined phaco-ECP achieved a significant reduction in IOP in patients with uncontrolled glaucoma and no previous drainage surgery. Significant complications were uncommon, but 68% was classified as surgical failures by the six year point.