Wick technique in subscleral and subconjunctival Ologen™ implantation with trabeculectomy in patients with high risk of failure

Abstract

Introduction: Ologen™ is traditionally placed subconjunctivally during trabeculectomy, which limits its area of action. Subscleral implantation of Ologen has been described involving fashioning a gutter beneath the scleral flap. This, however, would not prevent fibrosis at the margins of the scleral flap. We describe a modified technique of Ologen® placement that has the potential to prevent scarring at the margins of the flap without
the need to fashion a gutter.

Materials and methods: The study involved a retrospective review of patients who had undergone trabeculectomy with Ologen implantation by the wick technique between January 2015 and August 2016. Patients judged to be at high risk of trabeculectomy failure were operated with this technique.

Results: A total of six patients with median age of 38.5 years were included in the study. The mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 30.8 ± 7.3 mmHg, which reduced to 10.6 ± 2.2 mmHg 18 months after surgery. By 18 months postoperative, all patients had IOP in the low teens (two patients required additional topical medication). One patient had two episodes of hypotony that responded to steroids and cycloplegics. Another patient required two needlings to bring IOP under control. No other complications were noted. Ultrasound biomicroscopy done 3 months after surgery showed two pieces of Ologen in one patient.

Conclusions: The results of our study show that this technique may be used effectively in patients at high risk of trabeculectomy failure. Further studies in a larger number of patients with diverse high-risk conditions are required before this technique is recommended for general use.