Fewer post-op adverse events reported with gel stent than trabeculectomy

Gel stent implementation in patients with open-angle glaucoma poorly controlled on topical intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering therapy resulted in fewer postoperative office-based interventions and adverse events (AEs) compared with trabeculectomy, according to data from the Gold Standard Pathway Study presented at AAO 2022.

Serious ocular AEs and discontinuations as a result of ocular AEs were reported in eyes with gel stent.

In this randomized controlled trial, 1 eye per patient was randomized (2:1) to gel stent implantation (n = 95) or trabeculectomy (n = 44). Patients were followed for 12 months.

Overall, 34.7% of eyes in the gel stent group required office-based postoperative interventions compared with 40.9% in the trabeculectomy group.

The most common postoperative AEs amongst eyes in both groups were reduced visual acuity and hypotony. In general, AEs were more common in the trabeculectomy group, with hypotony with ≥2-line VA loss occurring in 39% of eyes and persistent hypotony requiring 2 consecutive visits in 27% of eyes compared with 17% and 15%, respectively in the gel stent eyes.

An IOP increase was reported in 21% of eyes in the gel stent group and 7% in the trabeculectomy group, and secondary surgical interventions in 11% and 2%, respectively.

Reference
Shah MM, et al. Gel Stent vs. Trabeculectomy: Twelve-Month Safety and Patient-Reported Outcomes of the Gold Standard Pathway Study. Poster presented at: AAO 2022.