title: Scleral fistula closure at the time of glaucoma drainage device tube repositioning: a novel technique.
abstract: Repositioning a glaucoma drainage device tube from the anterior chamber to the ciliary sulcus or pars plana can be a challenging procedure owing to the difficulty in obtaining tight closure of the original limbal fistula. Failure to achieve watertight and airtight closure of the fistula can result in substantial difficulty in completing other key portions of the surgery and may lead to postoperative hypotony and associated complications. A novel technique using a Tutoplast scleral plug, polyglactin sutures, and, in certain cases, fibrin tissue sealant to close a limbal fistula at the time of glaucoma drainage device tube repositioning is described. This technique can be replicated with ease and provides a tight seal so that other concurrent surgical procedures can safely be completed and postoperative hypotony is avoided.
authors.affiliation: Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, 900 17th St NW, Miami, FL 33136, USA. mbanitt@med.miami.edu
authors.forename: Joseph F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Panarelli
authors.forename: Michael R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Banitt
authors.forename: Paul A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Sidoti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D020878:Device Removal / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005402:Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D020327:Glaucoma Drainage Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012086:Reoperation; D015422:Scleral Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D013536:Suture Techniques