Sclerotomy using needle puncture and subconjunctival injection of mitomycin C.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the possibilty of creating a temporary sclerotomy using a 26-gauge needle and sustaining its patency by injectiong 0.1 mL of 0.1 mg/mL of mitomycin C (MMC).


METHODS
Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were randomized into 3 groups. In the test group, puncture was performed using 26-gauge needle penetrating the anterior chamber at the limbus, and 0.1 mg/mL MMC were injected subconjunctivally. In the control group, a puncture was performed in the same fashion and in the MMC group, MMC only was injected subconjunctivally. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured prior to surgery and at days 1, 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28.


RESULTS
The mean intraocular pressure in eyes that underwent puncture with application of MMC was significantly lower than the IOP in the eye at all measurements up to and including day 21. In the puncture group, pressure was significantly lower than in the fellow eye only at day 3. No significant pressure reduction was observed at any measurement interval in eyes treated with MMC only.


CONCLUSIONS
This simple technique of subconjunctival puncture of the limbus combined with application of MMC was effective in lowering IOP in rabbits. This may serve to attain a temporary filter in patients who need strict short-term pressure control.
Wygnanski-Jaffe
T
T
Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
Belkin
M
M
Rosner
M
M
Yoseph
G
G
D000818:Animals; D003228:Conjunctiva; D005123:Eye / Q000473:pathology; D007267:Injections; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D016685:Mitomycin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009339:Needles; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D011677:Punctures; D011817:Rabbits; D012590:Sclera / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors
D016685:Mitomycin