Outcomes with combination trabeculectomy/cataract extraction appear comparable with those of trabeculectomy alone

This study's authors retrospectively compared the long-term efficacy and safety of combined trabeculectomy and cataract extraction versus trabeculectomy alone. Subjects were Chinese primary angle-closure glaucoma patients, 75 of who underwent combined surgery and 24 trabeculectomy alone. 

Survival analysis showed that the complete success rate at three years was 56 percent in the combined group and 54 percent in the trabeculectomy group (P=0.903). There were no significant differences between groups in either IOP or the number of glaucoma medications used throughout the three-year follow-up period. The incidence of postoperative complications was also similar. However, 54 percent of trabeculectomy patients subsequently underwent cataract extraction or other IOP-lowering procedures compared with none in the combined surgery group (P<.001).

The authors conclude that the long-term IOP lowering effects and surgical complications of combined trabeculectomy and cataract extraction are comparable with those of trabeculectomy alone, although the patients who had combined surgery underwent fewer surgical interventions.

Financial Disclosures
Dr. Singh has no financial interests to disclose.