The use of fibrin glue during glaucoma drainage device (GDD) surgery

Session Details

Session Title: Presented Poster Session: Glaucoma

Session Date/Time: Monday 07/09/2015 | 09:30-11:00

Paper Time: 10:10

Venue: Poster Village: Pod 4

First Author: : R.Tailor UK

Co Author(s): :    L. Lim   R. Puertas   K. Barton        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To describe a novel technique, using fibrin glue to secure the patch graft and conjunctival closure during GDD implantation. Furthermore, we compare the duration of surgery and conjunctival dehiscence rates using fibrin glue compared to the conventional suture technique.

Setting:

Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK

Methods:

Retrospective comparative case review of 150 patients (from before and after the commencement of the use of fibrin glue). The duration of the surgical procedure were obtained from our electronic theatre register (Galaxy). Data was tabulated and analysed using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.

Results:

150 eyes of 150 patients were identified. The mean age was 54.3 years. Previous surgery included: cataract extraction(34.7%), trabeculectomy(36%) and retinal surgery(15.3%). All operations were carried out by either a consultant(56.7%) or fellow(43.3%). A Baerveldt tube was used in 149 eyes. Fibrin glue was used in 39.3% of eyes. Compared to conventional surgery (CS), use of fibrin glue (FG) reduced the operating time by a mean period of 8.5 minutes(consultants) and 32.9 minutes(fellows). There were four cases of conjunctival dehiscence – 3 in the FG group and 1 in the CG. Only one patient required re-suturing in the FG group.

Conclusions:

The use of fibrin glue is safe and effective during glaucoma drainage device implantation. We have shown that the mean operating time can be reduced significantly with the use of fibrin glue which may allow more cases to be accommodated on an operating list.

Financial Interest:

NONE