[A comparison between absorbable and non-resorbable scleral implants in deep sclerectomy (T-Flux and SK-Gel)].
BACKGROUND
The intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effects of deep sclerectomy (partially combined with phacoemulsification) with different scleral implants (T-Flux- or SK-Gel) were investigated.


METHODS
In a retrospective study, 72 patients with medically uncontrollable glaucoma underwent non-penetrating deep sclerectomy. Of these, 54 patients received T-Flux implants and 18 SK-Gel implants. Examinations were carried out shortly before and after surgery, as well as after 12 months.


RESULTS
Prior to surgery IOP was 18.4+/-5.5 mmHg (n=72) and 12 months after surgery it was 13.1+/-3.8 mmHg (n=65). The number of antiglaucomatous eyedrops used prior to surgery was 2.3+/-1.3 (n=72) and 12 months after surgery 0.2+/-0.6 mmHg (n=65). Secondary IOP-lowering surgery after 12 months was carried out on 15.3% of the operated eyes, and consecutive goniopunctures after 12 months were 25%. No significant differences were found between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The short- and mid-term IOP lowering effects in deep sclerectomy with scleral implants were quite satisfying no matter which implant was used. There was no difference in deep sclerectomy whether or not combined with cataract surgery.
Wiermann
A
A
Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg. a.wiermann@uke.uni-hamburg.de
Zeitz
O
O
Jochim
E
E
Matthiessen
E T
ET
Wagenfeld
L
L
Galambos
P
P
Scharioth
G
G
Matthiesen
N
N
Klemm
M
M
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015812:Glaucoma, Angle-Closure / Q000601:surgery*; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012599:Sclerostomy / Q000295:instrumentation*