Biodegradable Implant for Tissue Repair After Glaucoma Drainage Device Surgery

Aim/Background: To report a novel technique using biodegradable material to cover exposed glaucoma tube shunts. Methods: A case report of a single patient who underwent drainage tube shunt surgery with the Baerveldt drainage device for intractable glaucoma. Four months post operation the tube became exposed through necrosis of the overlying scleral flap and conjunctiva. The defect was repaired by fixation of the tube to the sclera, with a slice of an ologen implant as a patch, covered by the adjacent conjunctiva. The patient was followed over a period of 1 year after the surgery. Results: Successful, lasting closure of the conjunctival defect was achieved without any side effects or complications. Conclusions: Erosion of the drainage tube after shunt surgery is a potentially serious problem. It can be successfully managed using a biodegradable implant as a patch before closing the conjunctiva.