[Intra- and postoperative use of 5-fluorouracil in the surgical treatment of refractory glaucoma]

Abstract

Objective: Analysis of the safety and efficiency of various modalities of 5-FU administration in the surgery of refractory glaucoma.

Materials and method: A prospective, randomized study including 36 patients with refractory glaucoma who received 5-FU in the following protocols: group A (10 patients)--intraoperative application of 50 mg 5-FU, group B (12 patients)--postoperative subconjunctival injections of 5 mg 5-FU, group C (14 patients)--intra and postoperative administration of 5-FU. Mean follow-up interval is 6 months.

Results: Last controlled intraocular pressure is lower in C group patients (13.92 mmHg) versus group A and group B patients (< or = 15.7 mmHg). The real therapeutic success rate (intraocular pressure < or = 15 mmHg) and the qualified success rate (intraocular pressure < or = 21 mmHg) are higher in group C (85.7% and 92.8% respectively) as compared with group A and group B (50% and 82% respectively). The rate of side-effects in highest in group B and lowest in group C.

Conclusions: Association of intra and postoperative use of 5-FU in refractory glaucoma increases the rate of therapeutic success and a lower incidence of side-effects.