R Rahman1, V T Thaller. 1. The Royal Eye Infirmary, Apsley Road, Plymouth PL4 6PL, United Kingdom.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To describe a new surgical technique for limiting symptomatic circumferential conjunctival blebs, an uncommon complication after trabeculectomy. METHODS: Four eyes of 2 patients underwent conjunctivoplasty to limit the extent of symptomatic circumferential blebs. An 8/0 virgin silk corneal traction suture was used to allow better exposure of the conjunctiva. Radial conjunctival and Tenon incisions were made down to bare sclera in approximately the 10:30 and 1:30 clock hour positions. The conjunctival incisions were sutured, tacking down to the sclera. RESULTS: Immediate flattening of the interpalpebral bulbar conjunctiva was noted on the first postoperative day and there was no elevation of intraocular pressure or loss of bleb function. Both patients experienced a rapid improvement in their symptoms and no complications of the procedure were noted. Recurrence of bleb extension occurred in 1 eye 4 months postoperatively, and was treated with a repeat limiting conjunctivoplasty incision with a good result. CONCLUSIONS: Early results show that bleb-limiting conjunctivoplasty is an effective means of treating symptomatic circumferential trabeculectomy blebs.
PURPOSE: To describe a new surgical technique for limiting symptomatic circumferential conjunctival blebs, an uncommon complication after trabeculectomy. METHODS: Four eyes of 2 patients underwent conjunctivoplasty to limit the extent of symptomatic circumferential blebs. An 8/0 virgin silk corneal traction suture was used to allow better exposure of the conjunctiva. Radial conjunctival and Tenon incisions were made down to bare sclera in approximately the 10:30 and 1:30 clock hour positions. The conjunctival incisions were sutured, tacking down to the sclera. RESULTS: Immediate flattening of the interpalpebral bulbar conjunctiva was noted on the first postoperative day and there was no elevation of intraocular pressure or loss of bleb function. Both patients experienced a rapid improvement in their symptoms and no complications of the procedure were noted. Recurrence of bleb extension occurred in 1 eye 4 months postoperatively, and was treated with a repeat limiting conjunctivoplasty incision with a good result. CONCLUSIONS: Early results show that bleb-limiting conjunctivoplasty is an effective means of treating symptomatic circumferential trabeculectomy blebs.