Preliminary trabeculectomy results using the Moorfields safer surgery technique in Malta

Abstract

Purpose: To review the results of the Moorfields Safer Surgery System (MSSS) for trabeculectomy, recently introduced in Malta.

Methods: Patient files were reviewed from data collected over an 18 month period, from the Maltese national teaching hospital, Mater Dei Hospital. Files of all patients undergoing primary trabeculectomy with a minimum of 12 months follow up data available were reviewed. Primary outcome measure of success was defined as a 30% drop in final post-operative intraocular pressure (IOP) at 1 year. Secondary outcome measure of success was final post-op IOP of less than 21mmHg. Unqualified success was defined as satisfactory IOP without the need of anti-glaucoma medication, while qualified success was defined as satisfactory IOP in those patients requiring anti-glaucoma medication.

Results: 43 eyes (mean age = 66.2 yrs ± 11.7) were analysed. The mean pre-operative IOP was 27.0mmHg ± 4.6. Mean post-op IOP at one year was 15.3mmHg ±2.7. Unqualified success for the primary outcome measure was achieved in 64.1% of patients while the qualified success was achieved in 82.1%. Unqualified success for the secondary outcome measure was achieved in 72.7% and a qualified success, of 94.8% was obtained. There was 6.8% failure rate.

Conclusions: The results from this first review using the Moorfields safe surgery system for Trabeculectomy surgery in the Maltese islands compares well to the current literature.