Long-term persistence of fascia lata patch graft in glaucoma drainage device surgery.

PURPOSE Conjunctival erosion in glaucoma drainage device surgery can be prevented by the use of patch grafts to cover the extraocular portion of the tube. Several materials can be used, among them human preserved fascia lata. METHODS The authors present a case of a failed Ahmed glaucoma valve due to encapsulation of the bleb, in which the fascia lata patch placed to cover the tube was removed 32 months later, during the implantation of a second glaucoma drainage device. RESULTS Histopathologic examination of the fascia lata patch demonstrated its persistence, without degradation or cellular infiltration. CONCLUSIONS Human preserved fascia lata is a suitable material for tube covering in glaucoma drainage device surgery, with long-term survival.