title: Graft-free Ahmed tube insertion: a modified method at 5 mm from limbus.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the medium-term outcome of Ahmed implants inserted through a needle tract at 5 mm from limbus that eliminates the need for a donor scleral graft.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective case series of 19 patients undergoing Ahmed implant surgery for refractory glaucoma with a mean follow-up of 12 months. Primary outcome measures included control of intraocular pressure after surgery. Secondary outcome measure included the frequency of intraoperative and postoperative complications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Intraocular pressure was maintained between 6 and 21 mmHg throughout the study. There was no postoperative hypotony. There were no complications related to this modified technique.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Needle tract at 5 mm from limbus maintains implant's ability to control intraocular pressure and eliminates the need for a donor scleral graft or heterologous material.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Juan Carlos
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Mesa-Gutiérrez
authors.forename: Juan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lillo-Sopena
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Monés-Llivina
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sanz-Moreno
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Arruga-Ginebreda
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