Background: We examined the value of deep sclerectomy combined with phacoemulsification as a surgical technique in the peri- and postoperative phases.
Materials and methods: Deep sclerectomy with phacoemulsification was carried out in 18 patients. Mean postoperative follow-up was 7.5 weeks.
Results: Deep sclerectomy was more difficult to perform than goniotrephination. We observed neither fibrin reaction nor hypotonic dysregulation (intraocular pressure, IOP, < 8 mmHg). Five patients required additional pressure-lowering drugs during postoperative IOP regulation.
Conclusion: We consider the low inflammatory response in the early postoperative phase to outweigh the greater surgical difficulty and prolonged surgery time. Further studies must verify whether higher IOP during the early postoperative phase is sufficient for good long-term IOP regulation.