Microcatheter-assisted circumferential trabeculotomy in primary congenital glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To study circumferential trabeculotomy for congenital glaucoma using Glaucolight illuminated microcatheter.

METHODS

This was a prospective, uncontrolled, consecutive interventional study of 25 eyes of 25 patients with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) underwent circumferential trabeculotomy done with an illuminated microcatheter through a period of 18-24 months in ophthalmology department, faculty of medicine, Minia University, Egypt. Patients' data of 12 months' follow-up were recorded. The primary target was the mean intraocular pressure (IOP) study in which complete success was defined as an IOP ≤21 mm Hg and at least a 30% reduction without the use of antiglaucoma drugs and a qualified success when medications were used to reach this aim. The secondary target was studying the corneal diameter and cup disc ratio change.

RESULTS

The mean IOP (mm Hg) was reduced from 27.28 ± 3.46 preoperatively to 17.50 ± 5.09 at the final postoperative visit (P < 0.001). The mean follow-up period length was (18 months). A qualified success rate was reached to 88%, complete success in 76% and failure in 12%. No serious surgical complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

Circumferential trabeculotomy accomplished by an illuminated microcatheter achieved a significant IOP lowering with either qualified or complete success in most of eyes with no significant ocular complications and it can be the first option in pediatric PCG surgery.