Combined cataract extraction and Baerveldt glaucoma drainage implant: indications and outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
To report the indications and outcomes of simultaneous cataract extraction (CE) and Baerveldt glaucoma drainage implant surgery.


METHODS
Noncomparative, interventional, retrospective, consecutive case series.


METHODS
Thirty-three eyes of 33 patients.


METHODS
Combined phacoemulsification CE and Baerveldt glaucoma drainage implant (BGI) surgery at two tertiary care referral centers.


METHODS
Visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and complications.


RESULTS
The study included 33 eyes of 33 patients followed for an average of 15.4 months (range, 3.0-46.9). The most common indication for combined CE and Baerveldt glaucoma drainage implant surgery was a history of prior failed trabeculectomy. Postoperative visual acuity at last follow-up was > or =20/40 in 12 of 33 patients (36%). IOP was reduced from a mean (+/- standard deviation) of 21 +/- 7.3 mmHg preoperatively to 13.1 +/- 3.5 mmHg at last follow-up visit ( P < 0.001). The number of antiglaucoma medications was reduced from a mean (+/- standard deviation) of 2.3 +/- 1.0 preoperatively to 0.7 +/- 1.1 at last follow-up (P < 0.001). Three eyes met our criteria for failure, and cumulative survival of the glaucoma surgery at 18 months was 89%. Intraoperative complications were all related to the cataract surgery, whereas early and late postoperative complications were related both to the CE and BGI surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Combined CE and Baerveldt glaucoma drainage implant placement seems to be a safe and effective surgical option and may be preferred in certain clinical situations.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002386:Cataract / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects; D004322:Drainage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D020327:Glaucoma Drainage Implants / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017211:Treatment Failure; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity