Purpose: In this study we report the preliminary results of macrotrabeculectomy in our hospital.
Method: Fifty-nine eyes of 41 patients with open-angle glaucoma underwent macrotrabeculectomy from Sept. 1994 through Sept. 1995 and were retrospectively analysed. Intraocular pressure control was defined as a decrease of postoperative IOP lower than 21 mm Hg or a decrease of at least 20% of initial IOP if this was lower than 21 mm Hg. Disc/cup ratio control was assumed when the progression was under 0.2. Disease control was defined when IOP, disc/cup ratio and visual field were controlled.
Results: IOP control was obtained in 93.22% of patients at 2 years and in 91.19% at 3 and 4 years. Disease control was achieved in 88.14% at 2 years and 84.3% at 3 and 4 years (Kapplan-Meier survival analysis).
Conclusion: Macrotrabeculectomy is a safe and effective technique to control IOP and glaucomatous disease.