Outcome of graft free Molteno tube insertion.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the long term outcome of Molteno implants inserted using a modified surgical technique that eliminates the need for a donor scleral graft.


METHODS
Retrospective case series involving a medical record analysis of 35 consecutive patients undergoing first Molteno implant surgery for refractory glaucoma. The main outcomes included life table analysis of intraocular pressure control following surgery and frequency of intraoperative and postoperative complications.


RESULTS
There were no complications related specifically to the modified method of tube placement. Medium term intraocular pressure control was similar to other series.


CONCLUSIONS
This simplified method for the insertion of Molteno implants eliminates the need for a donor scleral graft while maintaining the implant's ability to control intraocular pressure.
Department of Opthalmology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
J K
JK
Leong
P
P
McCluskey
S
S
Lightman
H M A
HM
Towler
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018465:Molteno Implants; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012590:Sclera / Q000601:surgery / Q000637:transplantation; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents