The outcome of mitomycin C trabeculectomy and laser suture lysis depends on postoperative management.

PURPOSE: To verify that postoperative management affects the outcome of mitomycin C (MMC) trabeculectomy and suture lysis. METHODS: A total of 108 eyes in 108 Japanese patients were treated with MMC trabeculectomy. They were divided into two groups based on when the operation was performed: group A, 57 eyes in 1998, and group B, 51 eyes in 2001. The results, including postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), complications, and postoperative management, were compared between groups. In addition, they were evaluated by a Kaplan-Meier life-table analysis. RESULTS: Postoperative IOP was lower and the probability of success by life-table analysis was higher in group B than in group A. Postoperative management, including laser suture lysis and subconjunctival injection of 5-fluorouracil, was started significantly earlier in group B than in group A patients. Although more postoperative complications occurred in group B, none were severe and all were adequately managed. CONCLUSIONS: Starting postoperative management earlier, particularly laser suture lysis, may be necessary to achieve lower and longer IOP control in MMC trabeculectomy.