Indications and postoperative treatment for Ex-PRESS® insertion in Japanese patients with glaucoma: comparison with standard trabeculectomy

BACKGROUND We investigated indications and early postoperative treatment for Ex-PRESS(®) insertion for glaucoma by comparing postoperative outcomes with those for standard trabeculectomy. METHODS Ex-PRESS insertion was performed in 21 eyes and standard trabeculectomy (TLE) in 22 eyes. Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) in the 6 months after surgery, success rate for postoperative IOP decline, postoperative complications, postoperative treatment, filtering blebs, and indications were then retrospectively investigated. RESULTS Mean postoperative IOP did not differ significantly between the groups at any observation time for 6 months after surgery. Further, it did not differ between either the groups of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and neovascular glaucoma (NTG), or the patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and NTG in the Ex-PRESS group. Comparison of success rates in reduction of postoperative IOP between the groups under the following four survival conditions showed no significant differences: postoperative IOP <30% of the preoperative IOP, complete success (no additional ophthalmic solution), and qualified success (ophthalmic solution required); 5 mmHg ≤ postoperative IOP ≤21 mmHg, complete success (no additional ophthalmic solution), and qualified success (ophthalmic solution required). With regard to postoperative complications and postoperative treatment, the incidence of hyphema was significantly lower in the Ex-PRESS group, but no other significant intergroup differences were seen. The height of the filtering bleb was lower in the Ex-PRESS group. CONCLUSION Postoperative outcomes in the Ex-PRESS and TLE groups were comparable. The incidence of hyphema was significantly lower in the Ex-PRESS group. Ex-PRESS insertion appears to be useful in patients with NTG and in those prone to postoperative bleeding. There were no significant intergroup differences in postoperative treatment. Assessment of outcome after Ex-PRESS insertion was difficult in some patients. Postoperative treatment should be developed to suit the specific requirements of Ex-PRESS insertion.