Autologous conjunctival resurfacing of leaking filtering blebs

Ophthalmology. 2000 Sep;107(9):1675-80. doi: 10.1016/s0161-6420(00)00280-3.

Abstract

Purpose: To present a case series of a new technique to repair late bleb leaks.

Design: Retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series.

Participants: Forty-seven autologous conjunctival resurfacings of late bleb leaks were performed by four surgeons at two institutions.

Methods: Autologous conjunctival grafts were placed over existing de-epithelialized leaking blebs.

Main outcome measures: Leak-free, Seidel-negative blebs and controlled glaucoma.

Results: After a mean follow-up of 14 +/- 12 months, one patient continued to have bleb leak at the last follow-up, and one frank leak resolved with aqueous suppression. Intraocular pressure increased from 6.6 +/- 4.4 mmHg (0.13 glaucoma medications) to 11.9 +/- 4.1 mmHg (0.41 glaucoma medications).

Conclusions: Conjunctival resurfacing with autologous tissue is an effective technique to repair late bleb leaks.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Child
  • Conjunctiva / transplantation*
  • Female
  • Filtering Surgery*
  • Glaucoma / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures*
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surgical Flaps