Recent advances in trabeculectomy technique.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Trabeculectomy is an effective operation for lowering intraocular pressure. However, success is limited by complications such as infection, hypotony, and scarring.

RECENT FINDINGS

These complications, which are increased by antifibrotic use, can be reduced with attention to surgical technique. We highlight the benefit of sub-Tenon anaesthesia, careful choice of the surgical site, fashioning of the scleral flap to produce diffuse aqueous flow, and better intraocular pressure control, maintenance of intraocular pressure, a formed anterior chamber, with outflow control during surgery using an infusion, optimal method of antimetabolites application, new adjustable sutures, and corneal-conjunctival closure techniques.

SUMMARY

These techniques reduce hypotony, producing a diffuse noncystic bleb with long-term pressure control.