Comparison of the outcomes of limbal-based trabeculectomy with and without anchor sutures.
OBJECTIVE
To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of limbal-based trabeculectomy with anchor sutures compared to standard limbal-based trabeculectomy. Limbal-based trabeculectomy was performed with a new technique using anchor sutures, which involved tying the conjunctiva to the sclera at a deep fornix incision to prevent bleb localization induced by slippage of the conjunctival suture scar toward the scleral flap.


METHODS
In this retrospective, comparative, interventional case series, 45 eyes that underwent limbal-based trabeculectomy with anchor sutures and 27 eyes that underwent standard limbal-based trabeculectomy were analyzed (primary surgery).


RESULTS
At a target intraocular pressure of 15 mm Hg, the 3-year survival rate using Kaplan-Meier analysis was 76.2% in the limbal-based trabeculectomy with anchor sutures group and 55.6% in the standard limbal-based trabeculectomy group. Bleb morphology analysis using the Moorfields Bleb Grading System showed that blebs in the limbal-based trabeculectomy with anchor sutures group were more diffused than those in the standard limbal-based trabeculectomy group.


CONCLUSIONS
Limbal-based trabeculectomy with anchor sutures appears to be an effective method for decreasing intraocular pressure and improving morphology of blebs.
Kozawa Eye Hospital and Diabetes Center, 246-6, Yoshizawa-cho, Mito City, Ibaraki Pref. 310-0845 Japan.
Takaya
T
Miyawaki
Shigeo
S
Yaguchi
Tsukasa
T
Hanemoto
Mikihiko
M
Ando
Tadahiko
T
Kozawa
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D016850:Limbus Corneae / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013997:Time Factors; D014130:Trabeculectomy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome