Purpose: To determine the effect of intraoperative application of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on the long-term outcome of trabeculectomy in uveitis-related glaucoma.
Design: An open, prospective, noncomparative case study to evaluate the use of intraoperative application for 5 minutes of 25 mg/ml 5-FU in primary trabeculectomy for uveitis-related glaucoma.
Participants: Fifty eyes of 43 consecutive patients were enrolled in the study.
Methods: Data were recorded prospectively on specifically designed forms at visits every 3 months after surgery.
Main outcome measures: The intraocular pressure, need for additional medication, and the need for repeat surgery were the criteria that determined the outcome of surgery.
Results: No significant intraoperative, postoperative, or late complications of 5-FU administration were noted. Successful filtration was achieved in 82% of eyes at 1 and 2 years after surgery. The success rate was 67% at 5 years. Failure was significantly more common and occurred earlier in patients of black ethnic origin. No deleterious effect on control of uveitis in relation to surgical intervention was observed.
Conclusions: Intraoperative application of 5-FU appears to be a long-term, safe, and effective adjunct to trabeculectomy in uveitis-related glaucoma.