Efficacy of utilizing a biodegradable collagen matrix in trabeculectomy: the first Jordanian experience

Purpose: to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using a biodegradable collagen matrix in glaucoma filtering surgery methods: we treated nine eyes of nine patients with moderate to advanced open angle glaucoma and uncontrolled intraocular pressure (iop) on maximally tolerated medical treatment. fornix-based trabeculectomy was performed in all patients and a biodegradable collagen matrix implant was inserted over the flap and underneath the conjunctiva. results: mean age was 37.9 years (range: 16-68). mean follow up was 7.9 months (range: 3-18). with successful iop control defined as iop ≤ 21 mmhg with at least 20% reduction from baseline on the same or fewer number of pre-trabeculectomy medications,8 out of 9 eyes (88%) fit the criteria for success over the course of follow up. among all eyes with ≥ 3 months of follow up there was a significant drop in iop from pre-trabeculectomy 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.05). the percentage of patients requiring > 2 medications declined from 100 %( 9/9) at pre-trabeculectomy to 11% (1/9) at 3 months (p < 0.05). the patient who did not meet the criteria of success regained successful iop control with bleb needling done 6 weeks after the initial surgery. one eye developed postoperative hypotony for which bleb revision was required. conclusion: the use of biodegradable collagen matrix implant appears to hold promise as a tool to increase success rate of glaucoma filtration surgery. further studies are needed to evaluate the long term results and compare this against the use of antifibrotics in trabeculectomy. © 2017 dar publishers / the university of jordan. all rights reserved.