Ab Interno Goniotomy Combined with Ab Externo Trabeculotomy in Advanced Primary Congenital Glaucoma Patients: 2-Year Follow-Up.

INTRODUCTION: Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) is a challenging disease that needs to be surgically managed with more innovative methods. Conventional incisional surgery, such as goniotomy and trabeculotomy, has a primary high success rate, but does not seem to be a very effective treatment in advanced stages.
DESIGN: A prospective clinical case study.
PURPOSE: To qualify the outcome, in terms of success rate, of goniotomy combined with trabeculotomy as a surgical option to treat eyes affected by PCG with a corneal diameter larger than 14 mm. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 50 eyes of 50 patients diagnosed with PCG with corneal diameter larger than 14 mm who underwent ab interno goniotomy combined with ab externo trabeculotomy. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured preoperatively and 24 months postoperatively. A statistical analysis was performed to detect correlations between the success rate and corneal diameter, preoperative IOP, age of onset, axial length, and consanguinity. The main outcome was reduction in IOP; secondary outcomes were factors affecting the success rate, complications, and the need for additional surgical intervention to control IOP.
RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 18.86±9.94 months. Males made up 52% of cases and females 48% of cases. Positive consanguinity was present in 38% of cases. Axial length ranged between 20 and 22 mm, with a mean of 20.98±0.8 mm. Mean preoperative IOP was 29.56±3.36 mmHg, which decreased postoperatively to 12.6±2.5, 14.1±3.2, 16.8±5.5, 14.4±2.3, 14.3±1.6, 14.3±1.6, 14.3±1.6, 14.3±1.7, and 14.3±1.7 mmHg at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24 months respectively (p˂0.001). Use of medical treatment was decreased from 2.7±0.4 preoperatively to 1.4±0.7 postoperatively (p˂0.001). Hyphema was the only complication that appeared, occurring in 47% of cases. The success rate was 94%. Complete success (IOP <21 mmHg without treatment) was achieved in 70% of cases, 24% were considered a qualified success (IOP <21 mmHg with treatment), while failure was documented in 6% of cases (IOP >21 mmHg with treatment). The success rate was significantly related to preoperative IOP, corneal diameter, axial length, consanguinity, and age of onset (p˂0.001). All cases were followed for 24 months.
CONCLUSION: Ab interno goniotomy combined with ab externo trabeculotomy improves the success rate of buphthalmos surgery. A significant correlation was detected between success rate and preoperative IOP, corneal diameter, axial length, consanguinity, and age of onset.

Introduction

Autosomal recessive type is a genetic typing of primary congenital glaucoma (PCG).1 A dominant MYOC mutation is the most common cause of this disease.1,2 It occurs at a ratio of approximately 1:1250 in Slovakian countries; 1:30,000 in Western countries, and 1:2500 in Saudi Arabia.3 One of its common causes is found to be consanguinity among patients.3–5 PCG is a net result of a trabecular meshwork and anterior chamber angle maldevelopment, resulting in high intraocular pressure (IOP),7 which is essentially treated surgically, not medically.6 In general, PCG patients present with an elongated and enlarged globe with a cloudy cornea due to corneal edema secondary to ruptured Descemet's membrane as well as high IOP.8 Medical treatment in such cases may be temporarily used to decrease the IOP and clarify the cornea in order to facilitate surgical intervention.9,10 Goniotomy and trabeculotomy are anterior chamber angle surgeries that have a high degree of success as initial surgery.11 Goniotomy is considered to be a good option in isolated trabeculodysgenesis in pediatric patients aged less than 2 years.12,13 A clear cornea that permits good visualization of the angle structures is an essential parameter for goniotomy.14,15 A cloudy and opacified cornea due to markedly elevated IOP is typically found in buphthalmos cases. Trabeculotomy is believed to be the ideal surgery in this situation,15–17 while goniotomy can be performed with some effort; typically, the surgeon has to choose between goniotomy and trabeculotomy.18 The selection of surgery may depend on the corneal diameter, as successful incisional angle surgery may be restricted to corneal diameters less than 14 mm.16 Many authors recommend trabeculotomy, trabeculectomy, or trabeculectomy with MMC for advanced cases with a corneal diameter greater than 14 mm.16,19 An incisional angle surgerical technique known as goniotomy and trabeculotomy surgery is most commonly used for the treatment of PCG. This depends on making an incision through the anomalous trabecular meshwork and internal wall of Shlemm’s canal, aiming for augmentation of the aqueous outflow to reduce the IOP.14,20,21 Some authors found that a larger corneal diameter, greater than 14 mm, appeared to be a predicting and prognostic factor for goniotomy and trabeculotomy.16,22–24 Furthermore, a modification of incisional angle surgery is highly recommended to improve the results in such cases.16,22,23 In developing countries, most PCG patients who ask for medical assistance present at an advanced stage that needs aggressive intervention to save their eyes.6 A primary single surgical technique may be a great choice to save these eyes as there would be no time to waste.

In this study, trabeculotomy was used in the upper 120 degrees, combined with goniotomy in the lower 120 degrees of angle in buphthalmic eyes with corneal diameter larger than 14 mm, in order to evaluate the intermediate effect of using both maneuvers during the same session.

Patients and Methods

This study was conducted in the Research Institute of Ophthalmology (RIO), Giza, Egypt, during 2017–2020. All surgical procedures were carried out by the same surgeon (HH). This study was performed under the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki of 1975 (1983 revision). The Research Local Ethical Committee approved the protocol of this study. The parent or legal caregivers of all the included cases signed an informed consent form prior to enrollment.

This study is a prospective, randomized study that included 50 eyes of 50 cases diagnosed as PCG. Eligible cases of PCG were diagnosed according to the presence of elevated IOP, enlarged corneal diameter, glaucomatous optic disc cupping, and elongated eye with increased axial lens. All cases were diagnosed by examination under general anesthesia. The preoperative clinical data included the patient’s age at time of surgery, in addition to gender, consanguinity, and medical treatment details.

Preoperative examination included complete examination of the anterior segment: a surgical caliper was used to measure the horizontal corneal diameter (white to white); IOP was measured by hand-held Perkins applanation tonometry (Haag–Streit, Harlow, UK), just after the induction of general anesthesia when the patient was just sedated;, and the IOP was determined by calculating the mean of three measurements; gonioscopic examination of the anterior chamber angle was conducted with a Swan-Jacob gonioprism; corneal clarity was measured with the aid of a surgical microscope under high magnification and classification into grade 1 when the iris texture was seen clearly, grade 2 when the iris texture was seen hazily, and grade 3 when the texture was not clearly seen; the fundus was examined by binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy; axial length was measured by A scan ultrasonography; B scan ultrasonography was used to exclude any intraocular abnormalities; and high-frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) (Sonomed Vumax UBM 35 MHz transducer) to document the angle state and anterior segment. The UBM study included detection of any abnormal membranes, level of iris insertion, and the position and configuration of ciliary processes. Furthermore, an assessment of depth of the anterior and posterior chambers in addition to corneal and lens thicknesses was conducted using UBM.

Inclusion Criteria

The study included PCG patients. The inclusion criteria were patients with a corneal diameter larger than 14 mm, corneal clarity grade 1 and 2, and no previous history of ocular surgery.

Exclusion Criteria

Patients with other ocular pathologies and/or congenital anomalies, including iris, cornea, lens, or retina, previous ocular surgery, or severe corneal opacity that may interfere with suitable visualization of the anterior chamber angle were excluded from the study.

Surgical Procedure

All surgical maneuvers were performed under general anesthesia and complete aseptic conditions by the same experienced glaucoma surgeon (HH).

Goniotomy

Goniotomy was performed first; the lower angle was the target. Adequate visualization of the lower angle once the gonioprism had been placed on the eye was achieved by turning the patient’s head 45 degrees from the vertical and firmly securing it in place. A corneal stab incision was performed just anterior to the corneoscleral limbus. Deepening of the anterior chamber was achieved by the injection of a viscoelastic substance such as Healon. An 18-gauge needle connected to an irrigating fluid as a goniotomy knife was introduced into the anterior chamber and an autoclavable Swan-Jacob gonioprism was applied to permit visibility of the angle details. The goniotomy knife was introduced towards the angle to engage the trabecular meshwork at its midpoint. Successful goniotomy was proved by posterior falling of the iris and the appearance of a white line behind the blade. The corneal wound was securely closed with 10/0 suture and the anterior chamber was completely reformed with balanced salt solution.

Trabeculotomy

A 6/0 silk was placed under the superior rectus to make a bridle suture. A conjunctiva flap was created with a fornix base pattern and cauterization was used to secure hemostasis. Dissection of a 4×4 partial thickness scleral flap was achieved and extended up to 1 mm of clear cornea. Schlemm’s canal was approached by making a radial incision about 2 mm from the limbus or at the junction between the white and bluish transitional zone of the sclera until the canal was entered. A gush of aqueous humor and/or blood is a sure sign of successful entry into Schlemm’s canal. A Harms trabeculotome was then introduced to achieve ab externo trabeculotomy, first to the right and then to the left to engage about 120 degrees of circumference of Schlemm’s canal. A 10/0 nylon suture was used to secure the partial thickness scleral flap, one on each corner. The conjunctival flap was finally closed using 8/0 polyglactin continuous sutures. Subconjunctival injection of 1 mg dexamethasone and 20 mg gentamycin was performed.

Postoperatively, all patients received steroid treatment (prednisolone acetate 1%), which was tapered off gradually over a period of 4 weeks, and antibiotics (tobramycin 0.3%), which were stopped at 2 weeks after surgery.

Follow-Up

Postoperatively, all patients were examined at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months, and then 3-monthly thereafter. The follow-up period was set at 24 months.

The main outcome measure was defined as the reduction of IOP. Secondary outcomes were defined as complications, factors affecting the success rate, and the need for further surgical interventions.

Complete success was achieved if the IOP was >6 and <21 mmHg without the need for additional medical therapy; qualified success was achieved if the IOP was >6 and <21 mmHg with medical treatment; and failure was defined as persistent IOP >21 mmHg with two or more antiglaucoma medications or if another surgical glaucoma intervention was required.

Statistical Analysis

For all determinations, statistical analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS software release 20 for Microsoft Windows (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA). Means and standard deviations were used to describe quantitative variables, while absolute frequencies were used to describe categorical variables. The chi-squared test was used to compare the proportions of categorical data when appropriate. Verification of assumption in parametric tests was achieved with the use of Kolmogorov–Smirnov (distribution type) and Levene (homogeneity of variances). The paired sample test (for normally distributed data) was used to compare means of the same group at two points. A repeated measures ANOVA test (for normally distributed data) was used to compare change over time. Changes in discrete data (number of medications) preoperatively and postoperatively were evaluated by the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to measure the strength and direction of relationships between two continuous variables. Statistical significance was set at the 5% level (p<0.05). If p≤0.001, a highly significant difference was present.

Results

Data from 50 patients (50 eyes) were acquired and studied preoperatively and postoperatively. The age of the patients ranged from 6 to 40 months, with a mean±SD age of 18.86±9.94 months. Males made up 52% of patients while 48% were female. Positive consanguinity appeared in 38% of patients. All patients included in this study were Egyptians. The mean horizontal corneal diameter was 14.56±0.8 mm, which ranged between 14 and 16 mm. Axial length ranged between 20 and 22 mm with mean of 20.98±0.8 mm. The CD ratio ranged from 0 to 1, with a mean of 0.8±0.4 (Table 1).

Table 1

Baseline Characteristics of the Studied Patients

	N=50 (%)
Age at onset (months)
Mean±SD	18.86±9.94
Range	6–40
Sex:
Male	26 (52%)
Female	24 (48%)
Consanguinity
Negative	31 (62%)
Positive	19 (38%)
Horizontal corneal diameter (mm)
Mean±SD	14.56±0.812
Range	14–16
Axial length (mm)
Mean±SD	20.98±0.795
Range	20–22
CD ratio
Mean±SD	0.8±0.404
Range	0–1

Preoperative IOP among the studied patients ranged from 21 to 36 mmHg, with a mean of 29.56±3.4 mmHg. On assessing the postoperative IOP over several points of time, the mean IOP had significantly dropped to 12.64±2.5 mmHg at 1 month postoperatively, 14.12±3.2 mmHg at 3 months postoperatively, 16.8±5.5 mmHg at 6 months postoperatively, 14.44±2.3 mmHg at 9 months postoperatively, and 14.3±1.6 mmHg at 12 months; it plateaued at the same value for the next 9 months, then non-significantly increased to 14.32±1.7 mmHg at 18 and 21 months postoperatively and 18.3±1.7 mmHg after 24 months, with a statistically significant decrease over time.

Comparing each postoperative reading with the previous one, there were statistically significant changes at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively. There was a non-significant decrease in IOP when comparing IOP values at 9 and 12 months and a non-significant increase in IOP when comparing values at 18 and 21 months (Table 2, Figure 1).

Table 2

Preoperative and Postoperative Intraocular Pressure (IOP) Among the Studied Patients

Time Point	IOP (mmHg)		Test
	Mean±SD	Range	t	p
Preoperative	29.56±3.357	21–36
1 month postop	12.64±2.505	10–19	44.533	<0.001**
3 months postop	14.12±3.173	11–21	−6.847	<0.001**
6 months postop	16.8±5.525	12–29	−6.762	<0.001**
9 month postop	14.44±2.323	12–26	3.934	<0.001**
12 months postop	14.3±1.619	12–19	0.686	0.496
15 months postop	14.3±1.619	12–19
18 months postop	14.3±1.619	12–19
21 months postop	14.32±1.659	12–19	−1	0.322
24 months postop	14.32±1.659	12–19
p (F)	<0.001**

Notes: t, Paired sample t-test; F, repeated measures ANOVA test; **p≤0.001 is statistically highly significant.

Figure 1

Line graph showing mean IOP among the studied patients preoperatively and postoperatively.

Comparing the number of medications used to control IOP among the studied patients, patients used three types of drug preoperatively (median 3), which significantly decreased to a range from zero to three drugs, with median 0 (Table 3).

Table 3

Comparison Between Preoperative and Postoperative Number of Medications

Medications	Time point		Test
	Preoperative	Postoperative	Wx	p
	N=50 (%)	N=50 (%)
Median	3	0	−6.243	<0.001**
Range	3–3	0–3

Notes: **p≤0.001 is statistically highly significant; Wx, Wilcoxon signed rank test.

A statistically significant positive correlation was detected between preoperative IOP and horizontal corneal diameter, axial length, and CD ratio, while a significant negative correlation was detected between preoperative IOP and age at onset (Table 4).

Table 4

Correlation/Relation Between Preoperative IOP and the Studied Parameters

Parameters	Preoperative IOP		Postoperative IOP
	r	p	r	p
Corneal diameter	0.751	<0.001**	0.622	<0.001**
CD ratio	0.355	0.011*	0.371	0.008*
Axial length	0.715	<0.001**	0.701	<0.001**
Age at presentation	−0.548	<0.001**	−0.425	0.002*
	Mean±SD	Test	Mean ± SD	Test
Consanguinity
Negative	27.71±2.4	t=−7.031	13.45±0.81	t=−5.415
Positive	32.58±2.36	p<0.001**	15.74±1.73	p<0.001**
Sex:
Male	28.96±3.89	t=−1.332	14.35±1.94	t=0.115
Female	30.21±2.59	p=0.192	14.29±1.33	p=0.909

Notes: r, Pearson’s correlation coefficient; t, independent sample t-test; *p<0.05 is statistically significant; **p≤0.001 is statistically highly significant.

A positive correlation with high significance was detected between postoperative IOP and horizontal corneal diameter, axial length, and CD ratio, while there was a significant negative correlation between postoperative IOP and age at onset (Table 4).

A strong positive correlation was noticed between consanguinity and IOP values preoperatively and postoperatively (higher in those with positive consanguinity). There was a non-significant relation between patient’s sex and IOP values, both preoperatively and postoperatively (Table 4).

A successful outcome was seen in 47 patients. Complete success was attained in 35 patients while qualified success occurred in 12 patients (Table 5, Figure 2).

Table 5

Distribution of the Studied Patients According to Success Rate

Outcome	N=50 (%)
Success	47 (94%)
Failure (need further surgical intervention)	3 (6%)
Type of success
Complete	35 (70%)
Qualified	12 (24%)

Figure 2

Pie chart showing distribution of the studied patients according to success.

Fifty-four percent reported no postoperative complications, while hyphema was the evident complication in 46% of cases (Table 6, Figure 3).

Table 6

Distribution of the Studied Patients According to Development of Complications

Complications	N=50
None	27 (54%)
Hyphema	23 (46%)

Figure 3

Pie chart showing distribution of the studied patients according to postoperative complications.

Only three patients with failed surgery underwent further successful surgical intervention to control IOP, in the form of Ahmed valve implantation (Table 7).

Table 7

Distribution of Patients According to Next Surgical Intervention

Next Surgical Intervention	N=50
None	47 (94%)
Valve implantation	3 (6%)

There were statistically significant relations between surgical outcome and all of the variables consanguinity, age, axial length, horizontal corneal diameter, preoperative IOP, and CD ratio. All patients with qualified success reported positive consanguinity. Horizontal corneal diameter, preoperative IOP, CD ratio, and axial length were significantly higher in those with failed intervention. Age was significantly higher among those showing intervention success. On the other hand, there were non-significant relations between outcome and sex, occurrence of postoperative complications, and number of preoperative medications (Table 8).

Table 8

Relation Between Surgical Outcome and the Studied Parameters

Parameters	Outcome		Test
	Failure	Success	Χ2/t	p
	N=3 (%)	N=47 (%)
Gender
Male	2 (66.7)	24 (51.1)	Fisher	>0.999
Female	1 (33.3)	23 (48.9)
Consanguinity
Negative	0 (0)	31 (66)	Fisher	0.049*
Positive	3 (100)	16 (34)
Complications			Fisher	0.09
None	0 (0)	27 (57.4)
Hyphema	3 (100)	20 (42.6)
Age
Mean±SD	10.0±3.464	19.43±9.967	−3.182	0.014*
Axial length
Mean±SD	22.0±0	20.91±0.775	9.594	<0.001**
Horizontal corneal diameter
Mean±SD	16.0±0	14.47±0.747	14.05	<0.001**
Preoperative IOP
Mean±SD	34.67±1.155	29.23±3.184	2.918	0.005*
CD ratio
Mean±SD	1.0±0	0.79±0.414	3.526	0.001**
Preoperative medications
Median (range)	3 (3–16)	3 (3–16)	Z (−0.983)	0.326

Notes: t, Independent sample t-test; Z; Mann–Whitney test; *p<0.05 is statistically significant; **p≤0.001 is statistically highly significant.

There were statistically significant relations between type of success and all of the variables consanguinity, age, axial length, horizontal corneal diameter, preoperative IOP, and CD ratio. All patients with qualified success reported positive consanguinity. Horizontal corneal diameter, preoperative IOP, CD ratio, and axial length were significantly higher in those with qualified success. Age was significantly higher among those with complete success. On the other hand, there were non-significant relations between type of success and sex, occurrence of postoperative complications, and number of preoperative medications (Table 9).

Table 9

Relation Between Type of Success and the Studied Parameters

Parameters	Success		Test
	Complete	Qualified	Χ2/t	p
	N=35 (%)	N=12 (%)
Gender
Male	19 (54.3)	5 (41.7)	0.569	0.450
Female	16 (45.7)	7 (58.3)
Consanguinity
Negative	31 (88.6)	0 (0)	Fisher	<0.001**
Positive	4 (11.4)	12 (100)
Complications
None	13 (37.1)	7 (58.3)	1.641	0.2
Hyphema	22 (62.9)	5 (41.7)
Age
Mean±SD	22.46±9.778	10.58±2.314	6.661	<0.001**
Axial length
Mean±SD	20.6±0.604	21.83±0.389	−8.124	<0.001**
Horizontal corneal diameter
Mean±SD	14.14±0.494	15.42±0.515	−7.632	<0.001**
Preoperative IOP
Mean±SD	28.06±2.589	32.67±2.103	−5.558	<0.001**
CD ratio
Mean±SD	0.71±0.458	1±0	−3.668	0.001**
Preoperative medications
Median (range)	3 (3–14)	3 (3–16)	Z (−1.211)	0.226

Notes: t, Independent sample t-test; Z, Mann–Whitney test; **p≤0.001 is statistically highly significant.

Discussion

PCG remains a challenging problem for ophthalmic surgeons. Multiple suggestions have been proposed, including angle incisional surgery, goniotomy, and trabeculotomy as the first line of treatment for PCG, which depend on tearing the abnormal trabecular meshwork and inner wall of Shlemm’s canal, in order to increase aqueous outflow, thus aiming to reduce the IOP. The choice of surgery depends on the clarity of the cornea. While goniotomy requires a clear cornea, trabeculotomy may be the best choice for patients with a cloudy or opaque cornea.14,20,21

Quigelly et al found that PCG patients with a corneal diameter less than 13 mm are the best candidates for an accurate localization of Shlemm’s canal and probe entry, which give it a higher success rate.23 However, in PCG patients with a corneal diameter larger than 14 mm, all of the limbal tissues are highly stretched, making the proper localization and entry into Schlemm’s canal difficult, which can passively affect the trabeculotomy success rate.23 Furthermore, Quigelly et al found that the high success rate of trabeculotomy, which was 100% in eyes with a diameter smaller than 14 mm, was decreased to 67% in eyes with a corneal diameter greater than 14 mm. Zhang et al found that PCG patients with a larger corneal diameter usually have a longer axial length; nevertheless, corneal diameter may be a reliable parameter for the assessment of severity and prognosis of PCG. Consequently, these authors highly recommended further modification of incisional angle surgery to improve the results in these cases.16

Fang et al and Rodrigues et al recommended adding constitutional surgical maneuvers, such as trabeculectomy, to trabeculotomy, or trabeculectomy with antimetabolites. However, these maneuvers may be accompanied by major or minor complications. Moreover, more restriction of success rates by rapid healing may occur. This problem could be solved by adding antifibrotics to the improve results. However, this could add the risk of bleb-related complications.25,26

Girkin et al found that an illuminated catheter-assisted 360-degree trabeculotomy enables the entire angle to be opened in a single session instead of opening approximately one-third of the angle, which turned out to be a successful approach. Some authors prefer carrying out circumferential trabeculotomy with filament-assisted goniotomy, even in PCG with a clear cornea, owing to the greater success of this method compared with goniotomy.29 However, this may need a longer learning curve and carries a risk of false passage, in addition to the drawback of attacking the whole circumference of the angle. Using a microcatheter with illumination may improve the results as this would help to attain more accurate localization and continuous visualization, as well as rapid detection of misdirection. Nevertheless, it may add additional cost and there is a lack of availability, especially in developing countries.28 Girkin et al reported a 91.65% qualified success rate using circumferential trabeculotomy with the aid of an illuminated microcatheter versus 53.8% success using conventional goniotomy.29

The current study preserved the use of traditional incisional surgery, which has a high success rate according to many authors, trials, and studies, with a modification that may improve efficacy and decrease the need for repeated surgery. Ab interno goniotomy combined with ab externo trabeculotomy may be an option to increase the success rate of surgery in PCG patients with a corneal diameter greater than 14 mm.

The results reveal that this technique has a success rate of 94% of cases, with complete success rate of 70%, qualified success of 24%, and failure of 6%.

Other studies on goniotomy revealed that the goniotomy success rate varied between 50% and 90% based on the number of goniotomy surgeries, the severity of the disease, and the diameter and clarity of the cornea.30 Nevertheless, the current results using a combined goniotomy–trabeculotomy technique indicate higher success rates as it approaches a wider area of angle. Huang et al found that the success rate using trabeculotomy was 90.5%, 85.7%, 85.7%, and 85.7% at 1, 3, 4, and 5-year follow-up, respectively.15 Moreover, this success rate was decreased to 69% in patients who underwent multiple surgeries. Concurring with this, Ou et al found a success rate between 87% and 92%.31 However, the success rate in the current study was higher than these previous results. The author attributes this high success rate to the increased area of treatment of Shlemm’s canal achieved through combining goniotomy with trabeculotomy.

In agreement with the present findings, Neustein and Beck compared the long-term surgical success rate of circumferential trabeculotomy to conventional angle surgery.32 They concluded that circumferential trabeculotomy provides more successful long-term results than conventional surgery over 2 years. A success rate of 81% resulted from circumferential trabeculotomy in 58 eyes, and 31% from conventional surgery in 42 eyes. The success rate in the present study also coincides with a study by Mendicino et al that concluded a success rate of 92% of cases treated with 360 trabeculotomy in comparison with 57.5% with goniotomy.27

The results of this study indicate that the IOP had decreased from 29.6±3.6 to 14.32±1.7 at the end of follow-up period, which was 24 months. This coincides with Neustein and Beck, who concluded that the postoperative IOP was lower in circumferential than in conventional trabeculotomy, 15±3.6 versus 18.2±7.0.32 Another study, by El Sayed and Gawdat, claimed comparable results of circumferential trabeculotomy with an illuminated microcatheter and two-site rigid probe trabeculotomy.33

The current study detected a significant correlation between corneal diameter and success rate. The success rate was higher in cases with a corneal diameter less than 14.5 mm than in cases with a corneal diameter more than 14.5 mm. In accordance with our findings, Al Hazmi et al classified the severity of buphthalmos into mild when the corneal diameter is less than 13 mm and moderate when the corneal diameter lies between 13 and 14.5 mm, while the severe type was documented when the corneal diameter was more than 14.5 mm. They found that the success rate of either goniotomy or trabeculotomy in mild cases was higher than that in moderate and severe cases, regardless of the technique used in the surgical approach.19 Filous and Brunova clarified the cause of this as being changes in the curvature of Shlemm’s canal in these cases, which may be not compatible with the curvature of the rigid probe, and they recommended different probes for different diameters of 10, 12, and 14 mm. They found an 87% success rate with trabeculotomy surgery.34

In addition, our results showed a significant correlation between success rate and preoperative IOP. This is consistent with Al Hazmi et al, who classified the severity of buphthalmos based on preoperative IOP into mild when the IOP is less than 25 mmHg, moderate when the IOP lies between 25 and 35 mmHg, and severe when the IOP is greater than 35 mmHg. They found that the success rates of both goniotomy and trabeculotomy were higher in mild than in moderate and severe cases. Their results were not linked to a certain surgical technique. They also recommended combined trabeculotomy–trabeculectomy as a modified technique in moderate and severe cases.19

Furthermore, the present results revealed a significant positive correlation between success rate and age of onset; older age was associated with a less severe form of the disease and higher success rates. These findings coincide with those of Gramer et al, who concluded that early onset of PCG is usually accompanied by a more aggressive form of the disease. They found that the main predictor of success is the timing of diagnosis, and that the success rate was higher among patients diagnosed between the ages of 1 month and 2 years.35

Consanguinity in the current study was detected in 38% of cases. A negative correlation between consanguinity and success rate has been detected. This can be explained by the presence of higher corneal diameter, CD ratio, and preoperative IOP in patients with positive consanguinity. In accordance with our findings, Martin et al discovered a correlation between consanguinity and poor surgical and medical outcomes of treatment of PCG.36

Hyphema in the current study was detected in 47% of cases, and all of them responded to medical treatment and resolved spontaneously a few days later, without the need for any further surgical intervention. In accordance with our results, Sharawy and Bhartiya found that hyphema is the most common drawback of goniotomy.37

Unlike other studies, no major complications in goniotomy, such as irido-dialysis, peripheral anterior synechia, cyclodialysis, or lenticular injury, occurred in this study.6 Similarly, we did not see any major complications in trabeculotomy, such as false passage or choroid hemorrhage. The only complication encountered in this study was hyphema, which appeared commonly in trabeculotomy, which coincides with previous studies.15,16,38

All failed cases underwent Ahmed valve implantation surgery and finally achieved controlled IOP. This decision was based on the concept that valve implantation depends on aqueous withdrawal into the posterior bleb, away from any scarred conjunctiva, that may negatively affect the results.

In conclusion, combined ab interno goniotomy with ab externo trabeculotomy may be a highly recommended surgical choice for PCG cases with a corneal diameter larger than 14 mm.

This study could be considered the first to combine ab interno goniotomy with ab externo trabeculotomy to manage advanced PCG.

Limitations of this study are the small number of cases and the absence of a control group. These may be justified by the availability of multiple studies that revealed the success rate of each single technique alone.