Intraluminal 10-0 Nylon Stenting in PRESERFLO™ MicroShunt Surgery for Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Early postoperative hypotony and complications like choroidal detachment can occur after Preserflo MicroShunt (MS) implantation in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG). To prevent these risks, outflow from the microshunt tube can be reduced by implementing a nylon stent. This study aims to evaluate the impact of intraluminal stenting of the MS during the first four months after surgery. Methods: This retrospective study of 43 eyes investigated the incidence of intraocular hypotony in PEXG patients undergoing MS implantation with (n = 23) or without (n = 20) intraluminal stenting using a 10.0 nylon suture. The follow-up period was four months after surgery. Results: Our results demonstrated that intraluminal stenting significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative complications related to hypotony. Notably, no cases of choroidal detachment occurred in the nylon-stenting group (nsMS) compared to 30% (6 eyes) in the MS-only group (p = 0.0064). The hypotony rates between the nsMS (21.74%, 5 eyes) and the MS-only group (40%, 8 eyes) did not significantly differ (p = 0.3184). Both groups experienced significant reductions in intraocular pressure (p < 0.001) and a decrease in the number of antiglaucomatous medications (p < 0.001) up to four months after surgery. Conclusions: The use of an intraluminal stent (10.0 nylon suture) during MS implantation may be a promising strategy to reduce the risk of hypotony-related complications, particularly choroidal detachment, in patients with PEXG.