Glaucoma Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Glaucoma, including details on cataracts, surgery, treatment, blindness.

Outcome of graft free Molteno tube insertion.

Leong JK, McCluskey P, Lightman S, Towler HM

Department of Opthalmology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia.

AIMS: To determine the long term outcome of Molteno implants inserted using a modified surgical technique that eliminates the need for a donor scleral graft. METHODS: Retrospective case series involving a medical record analysis of 35 consecutive patients undergoing first Molteno implant surgery for refractory glaucoma. The main outcomes included life table analysis of intraocular pressure control following surgery and frequency of intraoperative and postoperative complications. RESULTS: There were no complications related specifically to the modified method of tube placement. Medium term intraocular pressure control was similar to other series. CONCLUSIONS: This simplified method for the insertion of Molteno implants eliminates the need for a donor scleral graft while maintaining the implant's ability to control intraocular pressure.

Published 20 March 2006 in Br J Ophthalmol, 90(4): 501-5.
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