Background In this study, we aimed to analyze the efficacy and safety of ab interno XEN® gel stent (Allergan Inc., Dublin, Ireland) implantation in a series of eyes with open-angle glaucoma and a history of previous filtering glaucoma surgeries. Methodology This retrospective, single-center study included all eyes that underwent XEN gel implantation with a minimum follow-up of 18 months that had previously undergone a filtering glaucoma surgery. The main outcomes were intraocular pressure (IOP) variation (baseline, first day, first week, and first, third, sixth, 12th, and 18th months), the number of hypotensive eyedrops at 18 months, intraoperative and postsurgical complications, and the need for subsequent glaucoma surgery. Results A total of 10 eyes from nine patients were enrolled in the study. IOP significantly decreased from 24.0 ± 2.4 mmHg to 7.8 ± 1.6 mmHg on the first day, 9.4 ± 2.2 mmHg in the first week, and 12.3 ± 4.8 mmHg, 14.7 ± 4.3 mmHg, 13.3 ± 3.8 mmHg, 11.7 ± 1.9 mmHg, and 12.3 ± 1.9 at the first, third, sixth, 12th, and 18th month, respectively (p < 0.001), with a 49.5% reduction in IOP at the end of the follow-up. The number of hypotensive eyedrops decreased significantly from 3.5 ± 0.5 (3-4) to 0.7 ± 0.7 (0-2) (p = 0.026). No intraoperative or postsurgical complications were recorded. In total, seven (70%) eyes achieved controlled IOP of <18 mmHg without any anti-glaucomatous medications, and one (10%) eye with the use of topical prostaglandin. One (10%) eye was submitted to a surgical revision, and another needed an additional glaucoma surgery during follow-up, with appropriate IOP control at the last follow-up. Conclusions This case series aims to highlight that the XEN implant can be an option in eyes with IOP levels in the low 20s and previously failed filtering surgeries, with satisfactory efficacy and high safety.
Keywords: migs; minimal invasive glaucoma surgery; second intention surgery; xen gel implant; xen gel stent.
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