Diathermo-trabeculotomy ab externo: indications and long-term results.

Abstract

The theoretical basis of diathermo-trabeculotomy ab externo is the concept that the diathermic effect prevents or delays the normal processes of scar formation in the tissues. By applying this concept in the field of ocular microsurgery we have associated this effect of diathermy with the traditional operation of trabeculotomy so as to avoid closure of the surgical opening, which often reduces the effectiveness of the operation after an interval of time.The problem has been solved by a trabeculotome suitably insulated except for the part which comes into contact with the canal wall on the trabecular meshwork side. Methods and materialThe technical data and the operating technique have been published in this journal (Maselli et al., 1975).With this technique we have operated on 47 eyes, 35 of which were affected with chronic simple glaucoma, 10 with congenital glaucoma, and 2 with closed-angle glaucoma.