Risk factors for choroidal detachment after trabeculectomy with mitomycin C

PURPOSE To evaluate the risk factors for choroidal detachment after trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC). MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 420 patients (420 eyes) with glaucoma who underwent trabeculectomy with MMC between June 1, 2005 and December 31, 2010 at Kumamoto University Hospital, Japan. Choroidal detachment after trabeculectomy was defined as a solid-appearing elevation of the retina and choroid. Logistic multivariable analysis was applied to determine the risk factors for choroidal detachment. The following factors were assessed: gender, age, subtypes of glaucoma, eye laterality, history of previous cataract surgery, preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP; mean of three Goldmann applanation readings recorded on different days), postoperative IOP (mean of seven Goldmann applanation readings recorded on 7 consecutive days after trabeculectomy), and postoperative laser suture lysis. RESULTS Of the 420 patients, 79 (18.8%) revealed choroidal detachments. The mean period between trabeculectomy and choroidal detachment was 6.1 ± 3.6 days. The mean IOP at the time of the choroidal detachment was 5.5 ± 3.6 mmHg. Age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.028/year, P = 0.0068) and postoperative IOP (OR = 0.887/mmHg, P < 0.0001) were risk factors for choroidal detachment after trabeculectomy. The subgroup analysis for eyes with open angle glaucoma (201 patients) revealed that age (OR = 1.060/year, P = 0.0040) and postoperative IOP (OR = 0.898/mmHg, P = 0.0110) were significant risk factors for choroidal detachment after trabeculectomy with MMC. CONCLUSION Among glaucoma patients, older age and lower postoperative IOP are risk factors for choroidal detachment after trabeculectomy with MMC. In eyes with open angle glaucoma, older age and lower postoperative IOP are risk factors for choroidal detachment after trabeculectomy with MMC.