Thermotrabeculocanalotomy: preliminary report.

Thermotrabeculocanalotomy is a simplified method of obtaining the results of trabeculectomy. After a corneoscleral flap is made, limbal-based, most of the anterior surface of the posterior corneoscleral lamella is undermined with cautery, and the anterior chamber is entered with knife and cautery. Drainage is by filtration. Preliminary results on 17 patients who underwent this surgical approach have been satisfactory. Follow-up time has been from 9 to 14 months.