[Filtering trepano-trabeculectomy with sponge-like scar].

Filtering trepanotrabeculectomy (TTE) is a modification of the operation after J. Fronimopoulos. A triangular scleral flap is created which is approximately one-half as thick as the sclera. Trepanation is performed with a 2 mm trephine. The scleral edge of the trepanation opening is heat-cauterized. Filtering TTE was performed on 36 eyes - 17 with glaucoma simplex, 16 with congestive glaucoma, and 3 with secondary glaucoma. Fifty percent of the eyes thus treated had narrow chamber angles. Regulation of IOP was achieved in 96% of the cases. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were rare, with the exception of choroidal detachment (13.8%). The fundamental requirement for regulation of IOP is a well-formed, active filtering bleb, developing as a result of the spongelike scar which is protected by the scleral flap. The scar creates a connection between the anterior chamber and the subconjunctival space.