Fornix-based trabeculectomy using the 'anchoring' corneal suture technique.

Aim: To assess the safety and efficacy of fornix-based tra-beculectomy with the 'anchoring' corneal suture technique in Chinese patients.

Methods: A retrospective non-comparative case series of 66 eyes of 63 Chinese patients who underwent fornix-based trabeculectomy combined with intraoperative mitomycin C (MMC) 0.4 mg/mL for 2-5 min were studied. Conjunctival wound closure of all eyes was with the anchoring corneal suture technique using a 9-0 nylon suture to prevent leakage at the corneolimbal interface. The success rate, with or without anti-glaucoma medication, the complication rate and the longevity of the drainage blebs were analyzed.

Results: At a mean follow-up period of 447.36 +/- 337.98 days, the mean intraocular pressure decreased from 26.83 +/- 7.90 mmHg to 17.74 +/- 8.74 mmHg (P < 0.001). The mean glaucoma medication decreased from 2.95 +/- 0.98 preoperatively to 1.23 +/- 1.41 postoperatively (P < 0.001). Thirty-one eyes (47.0%) required no anti-glaucoma medication postoperatively. Twenty eyes (30.3%) had qualified success postoperatively. Eight eyes (12.1%) had early wound leakage that resolved with conservative treatment. Three eyes (4.5%) required surgical repair. One eye (1.5%) had hypotonous maculopathy. No other major complications were encountered.

Conclusion: Fornix-based trabeculectomy with adjunctive mitomycin C employing the anchoring corneal suture technique appears to be both safe and effective in Chinese patients.