Ab-Externo Approach Achieves Higher Success Rates for Gelatin Stent Bleb

Ab externo with open conjunctiva (AEO) placement is associated with higher rates of success in the placement of a gelatin stent for intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, according to research results presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology 2021 annual meeting held November 12-15 in New Orleans.

To determine how ab interno with closed conjunctiva (AIC) and ab externo with open conjunctiva (AEO) compared in providing success with the stents, the researchers retrospectively reviewed 65 patients who underwent placement of either approach between July 2018 and March 2021.

The 2 groups of patients possessed similar baseline demographics, medication burden, and, at most time points, IOP reduction. The exceptions for IOP reduction were at 6 months and at 1 year postoperative.

At those 2 time points, the researchers found that AEO had performed better (P =.05, P =.01, respectively).

AEO was more successful in reducing IOP at least 20%, the study shows with IOPof 18 mm Hg or less for 2 consecutive visits. 

AEO was also more successful in qualified success, which included patients who did not have to increase the number of medications following the surgery than they had utilized preoperatively (P =.01).

Complete success occurred in 37% of cases of AEO placement while 31% of AIC cases achieved that result. Seventy percent of patients who received AEO placement compared with 49% of patients who received AIC placement experienced qualified success.

Reference

Neeson CE, Odishelidze N, Hall NE, et al. Comparing outcomes of gelatin stent placed ab interno with closed conjunctiva to ab externo with open conjunctiva. Presented at: The American Academy of Ophthalmology 2021 Annual Meeting; November 12-15; New Orleans. Abstract PO008.