BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of residents performing glaucoma valve surgery at a metropolitan county hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of consecutive resident-performed Ahmed valve (New World Medical, Inc., Rancho Cucamonga, CA) glaucoma surgeries from 1993 to 2005. Data of 50 eyes of 48 patients were evaluated for intraocular pressure (IOP) and best-corrected visual acuity. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 34.7 +/- 30.5 months, with an IOP decrease from 30.8 +/- 11.3 mm Hg preoperatively to 15.3 +/- 11.6 mm Hg at last visit. Success, defined by a postoperative IOP of greater than 5 mm Hg and at most 21 mm Hg or less or a decreased postoperative IOP of at least 25% if the preoperative IOP was already 21 mm Hg or less, occurred in 78% of eyes. Best-corrected visual acuity decreased in 58% of eyes. Four eyes (8%) required subsequent penetrating glaucoma procedures. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study suggests that placement of an Ahmed valve can be a safe and effective procedure in the hands of residents under appropriate attending physician supervision. Copyright 2010, SLACK Incorporated.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of residents performing glaucoma valve surgery at a metropolitan county hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of consecutive resident-performed Ahmed valve (New World Medical, Inc., Rancho Cucamonga, CA) glaucoma surgeries from 1993 to 2005. Data of 50 eyes of 48 patients were evaluated for intraocular pressure (IOP) and best-corrected visual acuity. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 34.7 +/- 30.5 months, with an IOP decrease from 30.8 +/- 11.3 mm Hg preoperatively to 15.3 +/- 11.6 mm Hg at last visit. Success, defined by a postoperative IOP of greater than 5 mm Hg and at most 21 mm Hg or less or a decreased postoperative IOP of at least 25% if the preoperative IOP was already 21 mm Hg or less, occurred in 78% of eyes. Best-corrected visual acuity decreased in 58% of eyes. Four eyes (8%) required subsequent penetrating glaucoma procedures. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study suggests that placement of an Ahmed valve can be a safe and effective procedure in the hands of residents under appropriate attending physician supervision. Copyright 2010, SLACK Incorporated.