Comparison of surgical outcomes between initial trabeculectomy and Ex-PRESS in terms of achieving an intraocular pressure below 15 and 18 mmHg: a retrospective comparative study

Abstract

Background To evaluate the postoperative outcomes of initial trabeculectomy (Trab) and Ex-PRESS (EX) in terms of achieving an intraocular pressure (IOP) below 15 and 18 mmHg. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed 64 and 54 cases of Trab and EX, respectively, performed by the same surgeon with uniform management from April 2018 to March 2019. Surgical success was defined as 5 < IOP < 15 mmHg (criterion 1) and 5 < IOP < 18 mmHg (criterion 2) without additional glaucoma medication, needling, and bleb reconstruction 2 months after surgery. Survival analysis with Cox regression was performed to identify factors associated with postoperative outcomes. Results The Trab and EX groups had an IOP of 22.6 ± 6.2 vs. 21.8 ± 6.0 mmHg before surgery (P = 0.507), 12.6 ± 2.6 vs. 14.0 ± 4.4 mmHg (P = 0.06) at 6 months, 12.7 ± 2.3 vs. 12.9 ± 2.8 mmHg (P = 0.678) at 12 months, 13.3 ± 2.6 vs. 12.6 ± 2.8 mmHg (P = 0.260) at 18 months, and 13.2 ± 2.3 vs. 13.6 ± 2.8 mmHg (P = 0.444) at 24 months, respectively. The proportion of those with an IOP < 15 mmHg in the Trab and EX groups was 82% vs. 81% at 6 months, 68% vs. 62% at 12 months, 63% vs. 61% at 18 months, and 57% vs. 53% at 24 months, respectively. The log-rank test showed no significant difference between the groups for Criteria 1 (P = 0.755) and 2 (P = 0.138). The results of the multivariate logistic analysis identified only a high preoperative IOP as a risk factor for surgical failure (odds ratio for Criteria 1: 1.076, P = 0.009 and Criteria 2: 1.068, P = 0.048). Conclusion Postoperative outcomes of Trab and EX suggested similar ability for achieving an IOP below 15 and 18 mmHg without medications and interventions.

Comparative Analysis of Surgical Durations and Fees Across Eight Types of Glaucoma Surgery Performed by a Single Surgeon

“…The scleral flap was sutured using 10-0 nylon with four to five stitches that were manually adjusted to achieve an intraocular pressure of 10-15 mmHg. After suturing the conjunctiva with 10-0 nylon sutures and verifying the nonleakage of aqueous humor, the procedure was concluded [15].…”

“…Subsequently, the scleral flap was sutured with three to four stitches using 10-0 nylon, and intraocular pressure was manually adjusted to 10-15 mmHg by palpation. After suturing the conjunctiva with 10-0 nylon and verifying the non-leakage of aqueous humor, the procedure was concluded [15].…”