[A new probe for trabeculotomy (author's transl)].

The possibility of complications connected with trabeculotomy led us to the development of the so-called hook probe. Instead of being twisted into the anterior chamber the probe is successively pulled back into Schlemm's canal, thereby tearing the trabecular meshwork. Complications connected with the turning of the probe can thus be avoided. Three techniques of trabeculotomy are compared: Harms trabeculotomy, with the turning of the probe over 60 degrees or 120 degrees and trabeculotomy with the hook probe over 60 degrees of the circumference. This use of the hook probe results in minimal trauma to the anterior part of the eye. Hemorrhaging particularly is infrequent or often even absent, during the cutting of the trabecular meshwork. The influence on intraocular pressure does not significantly differ between use of the hook probe and use of Harms probe. The dependence of intraocular pressure on length of tearing distance could not be determined. The results give the impression that a portion of the outflow resistance-at least postoperatively-within a greater percentage of simple glaucoma eyes lies distally to the trabecular meshwork. In choosing the best technique for operating, it is therefore important to know whether the outflow resistance in each individual case is mainly localized trabecularly or intrascleraly.