Expanded indications for transconjunctival trabeculectomy flap suturing: postoperative choroidal effusion and dysesthesia

Abstract

Objective: To assess the efficacy of transconjunctival trabeculectomy flap suturing (TTFS) in improving choroidal effusions and bleb dysesthesia resulting from overfiltration after trabeculectomy.

Design: Retrospective review.

Participants: The study involved 15 eyes of 15 patients.

Methods: Patients underwent TTFS for choroidal effusions and bleb dysesthesia following trabeculectomy using mitomycin C. The scleral flap was sutured through the conjunctiva as an outpatient clinic procedure.

Results: There were 11 patients who had choroidal effusions and 4 patients were identified with dysesthesia. The average duration of choroidal effusion prior to TTFS was 2.1 ± 2.3 months and 3 ± 2 months in the dysesthesia group. At the final follow-up (25 ± 17 months) the mean intraocular pressure improved from 4.1 ± 2.1 mm Hg before suturing to 8.1 ± 3.6 mm Hg (p < 0.007) for the patients with choroidal effusion and from 4.2 ± 0.6 mm Hg to 8. 7 ± 3.5 mm Hg (p = 0.05) for the patients with dysesthesia. In both groups, resolution of the signs and symptoms was achieved in all cases. The mean time to resolution of choroidal effusions was 5.5 ± 8.6 weeks and the mean time to resolution of dysesthesia was 2 ± 0.8 weeks. None of the patients had serious complications such as failure of the trabeculectomy or visual loss.

Conclusions: Transconjunctival suturing of the trabeculectomy scleral flap is a simple and effective surgical method for the treatment of cases of choroidal effusions or dysesthesia resulting from trabeculectomy.