Slow-releasing paclitaxel in polytetrafluoroethylene/polylactide-co-glycolide laminate delays adjustment after strabismus surgery in rabbit model.

PURPOSE To determine the usefulness of slow-releasing paclitaxelin polytetrafluoroethylene/polylactide-co-glycolide (PTFE/PLGA) laminate for delayed adjustable strabismus surgery. METHODS A prospective, masked-observer, controlled study was performed in 25 rabbits. Fifty rabbit eyes were divided randomly into three groups. After recession of the superior rectus muscle (SRM), a PTFE/PLGA laminate containing paclitaxel, PTFE alone, or physiologic saline was applied beneath and over the SRM in the PTFE/PLGA-paclitaxel group (group paclitaxel), the PTFE group (group PTFE), and the control group, respectively. Delayed adjustment was performed by a masked observer once on each SRM at 3 or 5 weeks after surgery. Adjustability, adjustment lengths, forces required, and adhesion degrees were evaluated. RESULTS In the control group, adjustment was impossible in any eye at 3 or 5 weeks after surgery. In group PTFE, adjustment was possible in 5 of 8 eyes at 3 weeks after surgery and in 5 of 10 eyes at 5 weeks after surgery. In group paclitaxel, adjustment was possible in 6 of 9 eyes and in 7 of 7 eyes at 3 and 5 weeks after surgery. On comparing adjustability, a significant difference was observed between group paclitaxel and the control group at 3 and 5 weeks after surgery (P = 0.016 and P = 0.001, respectively). A significant difference was observed between group paclitaxel and the control group (P = 0.003) in terms of adhesion between SRMs and sclera 5 weeks after surgery. CONCLUSIONS Slow-releasing paclitaxel in PTFE/PLGA was found to reduce adhesion and allowed delayed adjustment in most eyes for up to 5 weeks after surgery.