Efficacy and safety of combined 27-G vitrectomy and Ahmed valve using same sclerotomy site for the tube placement: A case series

Abstract

We report a retrospective case series describing the feasibility and outcomes of combined 27-G minimally invasive vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) and Ahmed® Glaucoma Valve (AGV) placement. Four eyes of four patients underwent a combined MIVS using 27-G technology and AGV implantation with the tube placement in the vitreous cavity. Preoperative and postoperative data up to 12 months were collected including the type of glaucoma, intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma medications, and complications. All AGVs tubes were placed in the vitreous cavity using the same sclerotomy, although a slight wound enlargement was required. After one year, IOP and glaucoma medications were reduced (41.5 ± 19.1-14.5 ± 3.1 mmHg and from 3(3-3) to 1.5 (1.5-3.5). Three patients developed cystoid macular edema. The first-reported cases of combined MIVS-27-G and AGV showed a reduction of IOP and antiglaucoma medication. Placing the tube using the same sclerotomy location is feasible but a slight enlargement may be required.

Keywords: Ahmed® valve; Dispositivos de drenaje en glaucoma; Glaucoma drainage device; Intraocular pressure; Minimally invasive vitrectomy surgery; Presión intraocular; Vitrectomía mínimamente invasiva; Válvula de Ahmed®.