Background and objective: To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of limbal-based trabeculectomy with anchor sutures compared to standard limbal-based trabeculectomy. Limbal-based trabeculectomy was performed with a new technique using anchor sutures, which involved tying the conjunctiva to the sclera at a deep fornix incision to prevent bleb localization induced by slippage of the conjunctival suture scar toward the scleral flap.
Patients and methods: In this retrospective, comparative, interventional case series, 45 eyes that underwent limbal-based trabeculectomy with anchor sutures and 27 eyes that underwent standard limbal-based trabeculectomy were analyzed (primary surgery).
Results: At a target intraocular pressure of 15 mm Hg, the 3-year survival rate using Kaplan-Meier analysis was 76.2% in the limbal-based trabeculectomy with anchor sutures group and 55.6% in the standard limbal-based trabeculectomy group. Bleb morphology analysis using the Moorfields Bleb Grading System showed that blebs in the limbal-based trabeculectomy with anchor sutures group were more diffused than those in the standard limbal-based trabeculectomy group.
Conclusion: Limbal-based trabeculectomy with anchor sutures appears to be an effective method for decreasing intraocular pressure and improving morphology of blebs.
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