Non-intraocular pressure-related revision surgeries after Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in refractory glaucoma

The Success Rate of Glaucoma Drainage Device Revision

“…Tube erosion is a well-established complication of GDD implant surgery and is considered a major risk factor for developing endophthalmitis 13,15,16. Weinreb and colleagues and Kirmaci Kabacki and colleagues both cite exposure as the single most common indication for revision at their institutions (41% and 57.7% of all revisions, respectively), a finding that is consistent with our results 14,17. In studies of tubes revised for exposure, Weinreb and colleagues, Huddleston and colleagues, and Thompson and colleagues report that 50%, 36%, and 40%, respectively, avoided additional revisions; this is comparable to our reported 44% survival at 3 years 14,16,18.…”

“…13,15,16 Weinreb and colleagues and Kirmaci Kabacki and colleagues both cite exposure as the single most common indication for revision at their institutions (41% and 57.7% of all revisions, respectively), a finding that is consistent with our results. 14,17 In studies of tubes revised for exposure, Weinreb and colleagues, Huddleston and colleagues, and Thompson and colleagues report that 50%, 36%, and 40%, respectively, avoided additional revisions; this is comparable to our reported 44% survival at 3 years. 14,16,18 Notably, our definition of survival also includes criteria pertaining to vision loss and IOP control-not purely examining rates of reoperation.…”

“…The authors reported a 100% success rate for this group of patients, defined by no subsequent need for re-operation and no further corneal decompensation. 17 This was substantially higher than our reported 52% success rate, although the authors acknowledge the effect the small sample size and short follow-up period may have had on their outcomes.…”

“…13,15,16 Weinreb et al and Kirmaci Kabacki et al both cite exposure as the single most common indication for revision at their institutions (41% and 57.7% of all revisions, respectively), a finding that is consistent with our results. 14,17 In studies of tubes revised for exposure, Weinreb et al, Huddleston et al, and…”

“…Other studies have listed malposition and encapsulation as frequent indications for surgical revision, and, less frequently, diplopia and motility disturbances such as strabismus. [16][17][23][24][25][26] We did not have a sufficient number of patients in these groups to perform a detailed subgroup analysis.…”