Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of trabeculectomy, phacotrabeculectomy and phacoemulsification in the management of primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG).
Methods: A prospective observational study was performed in 88 chronic PACG patients (97 eyes) who were divided into three groups following defined indications to receive different surgical interventions. The indications and clinical outcomes were evaluated. The mean follow-up was (17.7 +/- 4.9) months.
Results: Success rate in trabeculectomy, phacotrabeculectomy and phacoemulsification group was 81.08%, 78.57% per hundred and 81.25% per hundred, respectively. The anterior chamber depth was deeper and the angle was wider postoperatively vs. preoperatively both in phacotrabeculectomy and phacoemulsification group. No obvious changes were seen in trabeculectomy group. The coefficient of outflow facility of aqueous humor (C values) significantly increased in three groups postoperatively (P < 0.01). No severe intraoperative complications were found and the incidence of postoperative complications was low. Five eyes sustained hypotony 3 +/- 1.87 months in trabeculectomy group and 1 eye happened malignant glaucoma in phacotrabeculectomy group. The visual acuity in patients with phacotrabeculectomy plus intraocular lens implantation and those only with phacoemulsification plus intraocular lens implantation were improved 78.57% and 93.74%, respectively. No significant improvement was found in trabeculectomy group (chi2 = 47.10, P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Three surgical interventions were beneficial to manage PACG and with co-existing cataract. The indication choosing was suggested according to visual acuity, angle closure circumference, cataract, medication requirements and optic nerve damage. Phacotrabeculectomy was recommended for angle closed > or =180 degrees circumference while phacoemulsification for angle closed <180 degrees.