Trabeculectomy flap suture lysis with endolaser probe

Abstract

Enhancing filtration after trabeculectomy with scleral flap sometimes requires cutting of the nylon suture. A new use of the endolaser probe to cut the nylon suture through hemorrhagic and edematous conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule is described. The probe compresses the tissue so that it is close to the suture for delivery of the laser energy. This application of the endolaser probe as an "ecto-laser" succeeded in enhancing filtration, raising the conjunctival bleb, and lowering intraocular pressure.