Prevention of early postoperative hypotony by partial ligation of silicone tube in Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of the partial ligation of a silicone tube of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation to prevent early postoperative hypotony.


METHODS
Thirty-two Korean patients were divided into two groups. Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation was performed with or without partial ligation in 16 eyes. The incidence of complications and the success rate in each group were compared.


RESULTS
In the partial-ligation group, 10 patients (62.5%) had successful intraocular pressure control (> 5 to < 22 mm Hg) without any additional antiglaucoma medications, whereas intraocular pressure in 12 patients (75.0%) was controlled with or without additional antiglaucoma medications. In the nonligation group, nine patients (56.3%) had successful intraocular pressure control without any additional medications, whereas intraocular pressure in 12 patients (75.0%) was controlled with or without additional antiglaucoma medications. Early postoperative hypotony occurred in 1 of 16 (6.3%) patients with partial ligation and 4 of 16 (25%) patients without ligation.


CONCLUSIONS
The partial ligation of a tube in Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation suggested a lower rate of hypotony and surgical complications. There was no significant difference in final success rate between the partial ligation and nonligation groups.
Kee
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Department of Ophthalmology, Samsung Medical Center, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea.
D005901:Glaucoma / Q000601:surgery*; D020327:Glaucoma Drainage Implants; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D007440:Intubation; D008026:Ligation / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D015814:Ocular Hypotension / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D013536:Suture Techniques
D012826:Silicone Elastomers