Management of the late leaking filtration blebs. A report of seven cases and a selective review of the literature.

PURPOSE

To describe the outcome of various treatment modalities in the management of late bleb leaks after glaucoma filtering surgery (GFS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seven consecutive patients treated for late bleb leaks (Seidel's positive) between July 1990 and June 1999 were were enrolled in the study. The management strategy consisted of initial conservative therapy, and tailored surgery, if necessary. The surgical technique employed was either conjunctival-Tenon's advancement flap, hinged scleral flap, or fistulectomy with direct suturing. The main outcome measures were bleb characteristics and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP). The secondary outcome measure was visual acuity.

RESULTS

One patient responded to conservative therapy (aqueous suppressants, bandage contact lens) and six patients needed surgery. The successful surgical technique was conjunctivo-Tenon's advancement flap in three, hinged scleral flap in two, and fistulectomy-direct suturing to the wound (combined with cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation) in one patient. The bleb leak stopped in all cases and 5 of the 6 surgical patients sustained functioning filtering blebs. Follow-up ranged from 8 to 56 months (mean = 20.4 +/- 16.2 months). Visual acuity improved to 6/12 or better in 4 cases, 6/36 in 2 cases and it remained at light perception in one case. None of the patients had any intraoperative or postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Late leaking blebs after GFS can be treated successfully. The management decision and selection of surgical technique should be based on the clinical condition.