Avascular Overhanging Bleb Reduction with Modified Sutureless Technique

Abstract

A late postoperative trabeculectomy complication could be the overhanging bleb, especially when antimetabolites are used. It can be associated with hypotony, foreign body sensation, dellen, and visual compromise. We report a case of an avascular overhanging bleb successfully reduced with a modified sutureless technique. Nine years before, our patient had trabeculectomy using mitomycin C. After the surgery, the intraocular pressure was correct, without progression in the visual field, but on slit-lamp examination, a large avascular overhanging bleb was noted. Partial excision was performed with dissection from the cornea, overhanging conjunctival trimming, leakage checking and Bandage Contact lens placement. Topical antibiotic and steroid treatment was administered for three weeks. The excised conjunctival histopathology showed avascular metaplastic epithelium. Six months after the surgery, the patient’s visual acuity improved, with intraocular pressure of 12 mm Hg and a Seidel negative asymptomatic bleb. In conclusion, this less invasive technique preserves better bleb function without ripping the surrounding ischemic tissue. The procedure is safe and easy to perform, with less surgical time and fast recovery.

Keywords

• Trabeculectomy
• Overhanging bleb, avascular
• Modified sutureless technique