Needling-revision of failed filtering blebs.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the efficacy and safety of needling-revision of failed blebs after trabeculectomy.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review of 28 eyes of 28 patients who underwent a trabeculectomy with subsequent needling-revision between January 2002 and December 2003. The mean follow-up was 15 months after the first needling-revision. All interventions were conducted by the same surgeon. Absolute success was defined as an IOP <18 mmHg without medication or as an IOP reduction > 20% without medication if the preoperative IOP was < or = 21 mmHg. Relative success was defined as meeting these criteria with or without medication.


RESULTS
The mean interval between trabeculectomy and the first needling-revision was 5 months. Repeated needling-revision (up to 3 times) was performed as clinically necessary. In 90% of the needling-revisions 5-FU was used to prevent postoperative fibrosis. The mean +/- SD IOP before needling-revision and at the last follow-up was respectively 24.7 +/- 6 and 15.7 +/- 3 mmHg (p<0.001) Needling-revision was an absolute success in 39% (11/28) and a relative success in 68% (19/28). Minor complications attributed to needling-revision occurred in 32% including self reabsorbing subconjunctival bleeding (1), filamental (1) and punctate keratitis (1), transient choroidal effusion (3), wound leak (4) and hyphaema (2). Progression of cataract occurred in 1 patient. A serious complication occurred in 1 case (hypotony with persistent macular oedema).


CONCLUSIONS
Bleb needling-revision can prevent more invasive intervention in a significant number of patients with failed trabeculectomy blebs. Complications are similar to those seen after trabeculectomy.
Jacobs
S
S
Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, Leuven.
Gillis
A
A
Van Malderen
L
L
Zeyen
T
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008875:Middle Aged; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014130:Trabeculectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity