Trabeculotome-guided deep sclerectomy. A pilot Study.

PURPOSE

To describe and evaluate a new technique that helps identification and unroofing of Schlemm's canal during deep sclerectomy.

DESIGN

A prospective, interventional case series.

METHODS

This pilot study was conducted on 15 eyes with various types of glaucoma. After dissecting the superficial scleral flap, the trabeculotome was inserted inside the Schlemm's canal. During deep flap dissection, a direct incision was made over the trabeculotomy to open and unroof Schlemm's canal. Five of the excised deep flaps were submitted for histologic examination.

RESULTS

In 13 of the 15 eyes, the Schlemm's canal was properly identified and unroofed. Schlemm's canal endothelium was identified in all the examined specimens. The mean intraocular pressure was reduced from 26.66 +/- 4.54 mm Hg to 12.2 +/- 3.5 mm Hg at the end of a mean follow-up of 9.4 +/- 2.9 months.

CONCLUSION

The insertion of the trabeculotome inside Schlemm's canal before dissection of the deep flap helped Schlemm's canal unroofing.