Surgical revision of failed filtering bleb with mitomycin C

Abstract

The revision of a failed filtering bleb using mitomycin C was performed in 40 eyes (28 eyes with primary open angle glaucoma and 12 eyes with secondary open angle glaucoma) in which the previous trabeculectomy using 5-fluorouracil had failed to control intraocular pressure (IOP). Presurgical IOP ranged from 21 approximately 36 mm Hg (average: 24.7 mmHg) with the maximum tolerable antiglaucoma medication. The follow-up period was at least 2 years (24 approximately 60, mean: 39.8 months). Mitomycin C (0.04%, 5 ml, 5 min) was applied under the subconjunctival space. After rinsing, the wall of the scarred bleb was incised in cases with a localized bleb, or the margin of the scleral flap was incised in cases without a filtering bleb. The conjunctival wound was closed with 10-0 Nylon sutures. IOP control under 21 mmHg was achieved in 53.4% without medication and in 60.2% with or without medication at 60 months. After repeating the same procedure, IOP control was obtained in 82.2% with or without medication at 60 months. The success rate in secondary open angle glaucoma was less than in primary open angle glaucoma. Complications such as flattening of the anterior chamber requiring reformation (8%), choroidal detachment (8%), hyphema (5%), and hypotonic maculopathy (5%) were less than after trabeculectomy but conjunctival wound separation (5%) occurred little more frequently.