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. 2021 Oct 18;14(10):1560–1564. doi: 10.18240/ijo.2021.10.13

Intraluminal stenting versus external ligation of Ahmed glaucoma valve in prevention of postoperative hypotony

Dina Abd Elfattah 1, Faried Wagdy 2, Tharwat Mokbel 1, Hisham Elsorogy 1, Abd-Elmonem A Elhesy 1
PMCID: PMC8481999  PMID: 34667733

Abstract

AIM

To compare intraluminal stenting and external ligation of Ahmed glaucoma valves (AGV) for refractory glaucoma management and postoperative hypotony prevention.

METHODS

This randomized prospective blind study included 30 eyes of 25 patients (age range: 44-56y) with refractory glaucoma. This study was conducted from September 2018 to January 2020. The study included two groups, AGV with intraluminal stenting group (n=15 eyes) and AGV with external ligation group (n=15 eyes). Follow-up period was one year postoperatively. The primary outcome was intraocular pressure (IOP) and its association with the number of postoperative glaucoma medications. IOP≤21 mm Hg without medications indicated complete success while IOP≤21 mm Hg with medications indicated qualified success; and IOP<6 mm Hg was defined as hypotony.

RESULTS

After a year of follow-up, IOP was significantly reduced in the intraluminal stenting group than in the external ligation group (11.67±0.89 vs 14.2±4.0 mm Hg, respectively, P=0.024). Postoperative hypotony was more common in the external ligation group (2 cases, 13.33%) than in the intraluminal stenting group (1 case, 6.67%).

CONCLUSION

Application of intraluminal stenting or external ligation during AGV surgery usually prevents postoperative hypotony (transient and persistent) that occurs in conventional AGV surgery.

Keywords: stenting, ligation, Ahmed valve, hypotony, glaucoma

INTRODUCTION

Refractory glaucoma is a complicated type of glaucoma that is characterized by high intraocular pressure (IOP), making it difficult to treat by traditional medical or surgical therapies. Trabeculectomy has shown poor long-term outcomes for refractory glaucoma, making shunt surgery a better alternative[1]. Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) is effective procedure in management of refractory glaucoma with long-term follow-up in Egyptian patients[2]. AGV, a shunt device, is used either initially or after conventional procedures fail to treat refractory glaucoma. The aqueous humor flows directly through the silicone tube attached to the valve plate[3].

It is effective in reducing the postoperative hypotony that is commonly seen in patients with non-valved implants. However, persistent hypotony is a postoperative complication of AGV usage[4]–[7]. This is caused by over-priming of the tube and excessive manipulation of the valve housing that can damage the valve mechanism. The outflow of aqueous humor around the silicone tube immediately after performing sclerostomy using a 22G or 23G needle and failure of ciliary body function are other complications associated with AGV usage[8]–[9]. Closure of the tube by ligation or stenting may be needed when postoperative ocular hypotony occurs[10]; however, it does not have adequate control on the outflow[11]. Postoperative ocular hypotony can be managed effectively by ab interno tube stenting[12]–[14]. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of using intraluminal stenting and external ligation of AGV as modifications to the conventional surgery for refractory glaucoma management and their efficacy in postoperative hypotony prevention.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Ethical Approval

This prospective blind randomized study was conducted from September 2018 to January 2020 in Menofia University Hospital (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04508881). Approval was provided by the institutional research board committee, and informed written consent was obtained from all participants included in the study.

A total of 30 eyes of 25 patients with refractory glaucoma were included in this randomized study that used a computer-generated random number table. The patients were aged 44 to 56y. Despite taking the tolerated medication after previous trabeculectomy surgery, these patients had high IOP.

The patients were divided into two groups: AGV with intraluminal stenting group (group I, n=15 eyes) and AGV with external ligation group (group II, n=15 eyes). These cases were followed for one year after surgery. The outcome was measured as IOP and its association with the number of postoperative glaucoma medications. A complete success was considered if IOP>6 mm Hg and ≤21 mm Hg without medications. A qualified success was considered if IOP>6 mm Hg and ≤21 mm Hg with medications, and an IOP<6 mm Hg was defined as hypotony. All patients were preoperatively subjected to IOP measurement using a Goldman applanation tonometer, visual acuity (VA) assessment using a Snellen E chart, visual field (VF) analysis by a Humphrey VF analyzer, angle examination by a goniolens, optic disc examination by a Volk+90 lens, slit lamp examination for assessment of corneal clarity, and assessment for any corneal tube-touch and measurement of anterior chamber depth. All patients were given peribulbar anesthesia. In group I, incision of superior-temporal conjunctiva was performed, and the valve body plate was placed approximately 10 mm posterior to the corneal limbus. A 7-0 Prolene thread was inserted into the tube lumen; inserted along the tube without arriving to the valve plate, and it was removed by fine forceps after 2mo postoperatively in all cases through paracentesis applied at the limbus opposite the tube after inflation of anterior chamber with viscelastic (Figure 1). In group II, the same procedure was followed, 2 interrupted 8-0 Vicryl sutures were used to fixate the tube with the underlying sclera along with two interrupted 8-0 Vicryl sutures that were placed 2 mm apart over the tube itself to partially occlude it and then inserted into the anterior chamber (Figure 2). Those two Vicryl interrupted sutures (absorbable sutures) that were used in external ligation of the tube, were left to be absorbed without removal. A postoperative treatment course of combined antibiotic and steroid eye drops every four hours in the first week, gradually tapered over the next two weeks, was prescribed. IOP, VA, and VF assessments, optic disc examination by Volk+90 lens, and slit lamp examination were performed at the follow-up. Failure was considered if the patient needed implant removal, additional glaucoma surgery, or developed phthisis bulbi.

Figure 1. A 50-year-old female patient (intraluminal stenting group).

Figure 1

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A: An intraoperative intraluminal Prolene stenting; B: The tube implanted in anterior chamber one month after the surgery.

Figure 2. A 48-year-old male patient (external ligation group).

Figure 2

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A: The two intraoperative vicryl sutures used in ligation with partial occlusion of the tube before tube fixation by another two vicryl sutures; B: The tube implanted in anterior chamber 3mo after the surgery.

Statistical Analysis

Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 22 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) software. Non-paired t test and Mann-Whitney U test were applied to the quantitative variables. Fisher's exact test was applied to the qualitative variables. Correlation was used to assess the strength and direction of association. P<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS

This study included 30 eyes of 25 patients. The preoperative mean IOP was 32.7±1.9 mm Hg (range, 30-36 mm Hg) in group I and 33.2±2.2 mm Hg (range, 30-37 mm Hg) in group II (Table 1). Throughout the follow-up period, IOP was significantly reduced in both groups. After 1y, in group I, the mean IOP was 11.67±0.89 mm Hg while in group II, it was 14.2±4.0 mm Hg (P=0.024; Table 2). A significant correlation between preoperative IOP and postoperative IOP measures was observed in group II at 1, 6, and 12mo, which might be due to intra-surgeon hand variation in suture tightening of the tube and so more reduction of postoperative IOP which could not be standardized. A non-significant correlation between preoperative IOP and postoperative IOP measures that was observed in group I at 1, 6, and 12mo, might be due to less intra-surgeon hand variation with a standard calibration of both tube lumen and suture diameters (Table 3, Figure 3). Hypertensive phase occurred in 1 case (6.67%) in group I after one month (IOP was 24 mm Hg and had declined to 16 mm Hg with alpha agonist and betablocker administration). In group II, 2 cases (13.33%) showed elevated IOP; In Case 1, IOP was 25 mm Hg and declined to 14 mm Hg with alpha agonist and betablocker administration; in Case 2, IOP was 28 mm Hg and declined only to 26 mm Hg with alpha agonist, betablocker and prostaglandin administration. Further investigation of the valve morphology in Case 2 revealed tube occlusion; fibrous tissue was removed and reimplantation of the tube was performed. Complete success was higher in group I (93.3%) than in group II (86.67%).

Table 1. Baseline characteristics of the two groups.

Characteristics Group I (n=15 eyes) Group II (n=15 eyes) P
Age (mean±SD) 47.13±2.50 48.11±3.23 0.782
Gender, n (%) 0.456
 Male 5 (33.33) 7 (46.67)
 Female 10 (66.67) 8 (53.33)
Preoperative IOP (mean±SD) 32.7±1.9 33.2±2.2 0.511
Type of glaucoma, n (%) 0.688
 Aphakic glaucoma 5 (33.33) 4 (26.67)
 Pseudophakic glaucoma 7 (46.67) 6 (40)
 Pseudoexfoliation glaucoma 3 (20) 5 (33.33)
Preoperative antiglaucoma medications, n (%) 0.659
Topical (betablocker+alphaagonist+prostaglandin analogue) 0 1 (6.67)
Topical (betablocker+CAI+brimonidine) 1 (6.67) 1 (6.67)
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SD: Standard deviation; IOP: Intraocular pressure; CAI: Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor.

Table 2. Intraocular pressure of the studied groups.

IOP Group I (n=15) Group II (n=15) t-test P
Preoperative 32.7±1.9 33.2±2.2 0.62 0.540
Postoperative
 One-day 10.07±1.8 12.67±5.67 1.69 0.103
 One-week 11.06±1.53 12±5.64 0.62 0.542
 One-month 11.33±0.72 14.13±3.6 2.951 0.006a
 Six months 11.67±0.72 14.2±4.12 2.43 0.027a
 One-year 11.67±0.89 14.2±4.0 2.39 0.024a
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IOP: Intraocular pressure. aSignificant.

mm Hg

Table 3. Correlation between preoperative IOP and postoperative follow-up measures of IOP in study groups.

Postoperative Group I
 Group II
R P R P
One-day 0.095 0.737 0.376 0.168
One-week 0.216 0.439 0.115 0.684
One-month -0.029 0.919 0.535 0.040a
Six months 0.498 0.059 0.559 0.030a
One-year 0.154 0.583 0.528 0.043a
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aSignificant.

Figure 3. There was no significant correlation between pre- and postoperative IOP measure in group I while in group II there was significant positive correlation between pre- and postoperative IOP measures (at 1, 6mo, and 1y).

Figure 3

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Postoperative hypotony occurred in both groups with no significant differences but was more in group II; on postoperative day 1, 2 cases of hypotony (13.33%) were encountered in group II. One case improved with steroid medications and cycloplegic eye drop after 2wk while the other case showed choroidal detachment and persistent hypotony. This case improved after 2mo of treatment. In group I, hypotony only occurred in 1 case (6.67%) on postoperative day 1, which improved 1wk later with steroid medications and cycloplegic eye drops. A shallow anterior chamber was seen in 1 case in group I and 2 cases in group II that were associated with hypotony and improved after 2d of topical steroid and cycloplegic eye drop administration. Hyphema occurred in 4 cases in group II (26.67%) while it occurred in only one case in group I (6.67%; Table 4). There were minimal changes as regarding best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and VF. Two cases only showed reduction in postoperative BCVA after 1y (13.3%), one case showed a decline of one line in Snellen E chart and deteriorated VF; while the other case of choroidal detachment showed a decline of two lines in Snellen E chart.

Table 4. Postoperative complications of the studied groups.

Complications Group I (n=15)
 Group II (n=15)
 Fisher's exact test P
Yes No Yes No
Hypotony 1 (6.67) 14 (93.3) 2 (13.33) 13 (86.67) 1.34 0.210
Hyphema 1 (6.67) 14 (93.3) 4 (26.67) 11 (93.3) 0.912 1
Tube occlusion 0 15 (100) 2 (13.33) 13 (86.67) 2.92 0.483
Choroidal detachment 0 15 (100) 1 (6.67) 14 (93.3) 1.42 0.233
Hypertensive phase 1 (6.67) 14 (93.3) 2 (13.33) 13 (86.67) 1.34 0.210
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n (%)

DISCUSSION

AGV has a flow-restricting system; moreover, early postoperative hypotony is frequently seen after AGV implantation. Hypotony results from valve failure or aqueous leak around the tube opening site in the early postoperative phase and tube occlusion by ligation or stenting may be required to treat it[7],[12]. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of applying external ligation or internal stenting in increasing the success rate of AGV and preventing transient or persistent hypotony that occur with AGV. Hypotony after AGV occurs due to valve mechanisms like over-priming of the tube and excessive manipulation of the valve housing; the outflow of aqueous humor around the silicone tube after utilization of a 22 or 23G needle to create the sclerostomy and ciliary body function failure are other complications associated with AGV[11]–[12].

This study analyzes the role of ligation and stenting in decreasing the incidence of postoperative hypotony; the occurrence of which was low when compared with other studies that reported the “hypotensive” phase to have occurred in 13% and 15% of patients. Choroidal effusion may also be present. In these cases, hypotony resolves spontaneously as encapsulation of the plate increases outflow resistance within days or weeks from the surgery[10]. This study provided better results than a previous retrospective study that included a total of 20 eyes and followed for the patients for at least 1y. Conventional AGV (CAGV) surgery was performed in 12 eyes, while Ologen-augmented AGV (OAGV) implantation was performed in 8 eyes. Complete success was significantly higher in the OAGV group (50.0%) than in the CAGV group (8.3%). No significant differences were reported regarding qualified success, early hypertensive phase incidence, or changes in IOP within 1y postoperatively[15].

The present study reported lower occurrence of complications associated with CAGV surgery than those seen in previous literature, such as hypotony (0-9%), tube exposure (2%-14.3%), corneal complications (9%-27%), and endophthalmitis (0.8%-6.3%)[16]. The results of the current study were similar to that of a previous study, which showed that, at 12mo postoperatively, mean IOP reduced from 37.1±9.7 to 15.2±5.6 mm Hg. Qualified success occurred in 84.2% of the cases; hypotony was seen in 8.4% of patients and did not require surgical intervention. No suprachoroidal hemorrhage occurred in the study and hyphema was observed in 17.9% of patients[17]. Another study analyzed the role of intraluminal stenting with 4-0 Prolene in management of early postoperative hypotony; in this study, IOP rose from 7 to 10 mm Hg, BCVA improved to 20/30, and choroidal folds were resolved. IOP and BCVA remained stable throughout the 1y follow-up period, and patients did not require additional pharmacological or surgical interventions[18].

Similar results were observed in a Korean study carried out in 32 eyes divided into two groups to understand the role of partial ligation. It revealed that in the partial-ligation group, 62.5% of the patients had successful IOP control without any additional medical treatment, whereas IOP in the non-ligation group was controlled with or without medical treatment in 56.37% of the patients. Early postoperative hypotony occurred in 6.3% of the patients in the partial ligation group and in 25% in the non-ligation group. The final results showed a non-significant difference in the success rate of the partial ligation and non-ligation groups[19].

Additionally, the modifications that were added to AGV surgery in this study were useful in decreasing the rate of hypertensive phase occurrence with no encapsulation, which usually occurs in the first 2mo following CAGV surgery and results in optic nerve dysfunction. This might be related to the reduction in aqueous outflow that probably occurred after tube ligation or stenting. These results are similar to that of another study that decreased the rate of aqueous outflow by using aqueous suppressant medication and studied its effect in limiting the occurrence of hypertensive phase[20].

The relatively small sample size and short-term follow-up were the main limitations. These techniques require substantial experience in performing CAGV surgery. The low cost, reduced operating time, and ease of performing in addition to the low rate of postoperative hypertensive phase occurrence of AGV surgery are the main strength. Future work on a large sample in association with long term follow up to detect the degree of effectiveness and in decreasing the rate of postoperative hypotony either transient or permanent especially for the beginners is available. In the future, studies comparing efficacy of these surgical modifications and postoperative aqueous suppressants on reducing the occurrence of hypertensive phase should be conducted.

In conclusion, intraluminal stenting or external ligation seems to be effective when used in AGV surgery to prevent transient and persistent hypotony that usually occur with CAGV surgery, in addition to a benefit in lowering the rate of hypertensive phase that mostly related to aqueous outflow reduction. They provide good surgical outcomes with limited complications.

Acknowledgments

Conflicts of Interest: Abd Elfattah D, None; Wagdy F, None; Mokbel T, None; Elsorogy H, None; Elhesy A, None.

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