PURPOSE: To evaluate the histopathologic changes after insertion of polymer made of poly- glycolic acid(PGA) and poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid)(PLGA)/5-FU following filtering surgery in the rabbit. METHOD: A polymer with 0.3 mm thickness made of PGA and PLGA/5-Fluorouracil(5-FU, 10% by weight) composite were made in a size of 3 x 7 mm. After full-thickness filtration surgery performed, PGA was inserted under the conjunctiva in group I, PLGA/5-FU was inserted in group II and none in control group. Twelve rabbit eyes were enrolled in each group. RESULT: Postoperatively, no serious complication was found in anterior segment. In the control eyes inflammatory cell reaction was minimal at 2 weeks after surgery and decreased thereafter. While severe fibrovascular tissue reaction with loss of conjunctival filtration space was noted at 2 and 4 weeks after surgery in group I, the filtration space was well maintained without fibrovascular tissue reaction until 4 weeks after surgery in group II. At 8 weeks after surgery, fibrous tissue reaction was observed in group I, but not in group II and contol. The polymer was not found and the filtration space was obliterated at 8 weeks after surgery in group I and II. CONCLUSION: PLGA/5-FU may be used as an effective adjunct to improve the success rate of the filtration surgery, without inducing serious fibrous tissue reaction. PGA was not suitable.
Conjunctiva ; Filtering Surgery* ; Filtration ; Polymers*

Objective: To assess the safety and incidence of subconjunctival fibrosis in rabbits eyes with and without intraoperative application of Seprafilm Bioresorbable Membrane (Genzyme Corp., Cambridge, MA) Methodology: A fornix based conjunctival peritomy was made on 20 eyes of10 rabbits. Ten eyes were randomly assigned to receive Seprafilm on the subconjunctival area while the opposite eye had no intraoperative application of the membrane. Two orbits (one rabbit) were exenterated each week for ten weeks and gross and histologic evaluation for signs of morbidity and scarring were performed Results: Seprafilm did not show any adverse effect on the rabbits eyes. All eyes with Seprafilm (100 percent) were a vascular while 5 eyes (50 percent) without Seprafilm showed the presence of conjunctival vascularity. Conjunctival mobility was normal in eyes with Seprafilm (100 percent) while the conjunctiva was immobile in 6 eyes (60 percent) without Seprafilm. Histologic sections on eyes without Seprafilm showed presence of fibrosis and inflammatory infiltrates in 7 eyes (70 percent) while only 2 (20 percent) and 3 eyes (30 percent) with Seprafilm showed the presence of fibrosis and inflammatory infiltrates, respectively. Failed "blebs" were evident in 6 eyes (60 percent) while only 4 eyes (40 percent) without Seprafilm were considered as functioning "blebs". All eyes with Seprafilm (100 percent) were considered as functioning "blebs" (p.005) and is statistically significant Conclusion: Pre-clinical evaluation has shown that Seprafilm is safe and effective in preventing postoperative subconjunctival fibrosis.
Animal ; FILTERING SURGERY ; MOLTENO IMPLANTS ; GLAUCOMA SURGERY ; SURGERY, FILTRATION ; SURGERY, FILTERING

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of varying the time of Mitomycin-C (MMC) subconjunctival injection before, during and after operation. METHOD: We divided rabbits into 3 groups according to injection time. Subconjunctival injections of 0.01% MMC 0.05 ml were given to the preoperative group at 6, 12 and 24 hours before operation, and to the postoperative group at 6, 12 and 24 hours after operation. The control group was given the injections during operation. Bleb formation and histologic analyses were studied for 4 weeks after operation. RESULTS For gross findings, the blebs of the preoperative and control groups were seen on the fourth day and completely formed at one week after operation, and were larger than those of the postoperative group. On the other hand, the blebs of the postoperative group were seen to have poor formation, displaying hypervascularity on the fourth day and disappearing one week after operation. For histologic findings, the proliferation of collagen fibers and the undifferentiation of fibroblasts observed in the preoperative and control groups were almost identical. But, the proliferation of collagen fibers and well-differentiated fibroblasts were seen to increase in the postoperative group, so aqueous flow was obstructed at week 3. CONCLUSIONS: Subconjunctival injections within 24 hours before or during glaucoma filtration surgery were better for bleb formation and preservation than those administerd after surgery.
Blister ; Collagen ; Fibroblasts ; Filtering Surgery* ; Filtration* ; Glaucoma* ; Hand ; Mitomycin* ; Rabbits*

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of varying the time of Mitomycin-C (MMC) subconjunctival injection before, during and after operation. METHOD: We divided rabbits into 3 groups according to injection time. Subconjunctival injections of 0.01% MMC 0.05 ml were given to the preoperative group at 6, 12 and 24 hours before operation, and to the postoperative group at 6, 12 and 24 hours after operation. The control group was given the injections during operation. Bleb formation and histologic analyses were studied for 4 weeks after operation. RESULTS For gross findings, the blebs of the preoperative and control groups were seen on the fourth day and completely formed at one week after operation, and were larger than those of the postoperative group. On the other hand, the blebs of the postoperative group were seen to have poor formation, displaying hypervascularity on the fourth day and disappearing one week after operation. For histologic findings, the proliferation of collagen fibers and the undifferentiation of fibroblasts observed in the preoperative and control groups were almost identical. But, the proliferation of collagen fibers and well-differentiated fibroblasts were seen to increase in the postoperative group, so aqueous flow was obstructed at week 3. CONCLUSIONS: Subconjunctival injections within 24 hours before or during glaucoma filtration surgery were better for bleb formation and preservation than those administerd after surgery.
Blister ; Collagen ; Fibroblasts ; Filtering Surgery* ; Filtration* ; Glaucoma* ; Hand ; Mitomycin* ; Rabbits*

The study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of subconjunctivally injected mitomycin-C (MMC) on glaucoma filtration surgery(GFS) in rabbit eyes. Each of 0.05mg, 0.1mg and 0.2mg MMC were injected subconjunctivally into the rabbit eye according to groups I, II, III respectively following GFS. The IOP were returned to preoperative level at postoperative 2 weeks in control group, and at postoperative 12 weeks in group I and II. Histologically the fibrotic reaction appears less intensively in the order of group III, II, I and control group at 2 weeks after GFS. At postoperative 12th week, fibroblasts are more frequently oberved in group I and II than control group. But the proliferation of collagenous and reticulin fibers are less in group I and II than control group. The least amount of fibroblasts, collagenous and reticulin fibers are found in group III. It is suggested that subconjunctival injection of lower concentration of MMC would be effective approval as an adjunctive method to improve more success rate of GFS from this study.
Collagen ; Fibroblasts ; Filtering Surgery* ; Filtration* ; Glaucoma* ; Mitomycin* ; Rabbits* ; Reticulin

We assessed quantitatively conjunctival biopsy specimens from 48 primary open angle glaucoma patients[62 eyes]undergoing filtration surgery by light microscopy. The patients were subdivided depending on age, sex, and their therapeutic regimen and duration before surgery. With age, there was a significant increase in lymphocytes and macrophages within the substantia propria of conjunctiva[p<0.05]. The longer the total treatment duration with topical antiglaucoma medication was, the higher the number of lymphocytes and macrophages were[p<0.05]. Whereas, when the treatment duration was adjusted, there was no significant difference between the single therapeutic regimen group and the multiple regimen group. There were some differences in the number of fibroblasts, lymphocytes and macrophages between the group that needed postoperative-antiglaucoma medication[surgical failure group]and the group without postoperative-antiglaucoma medication[surgical success group]but there were no statistically significant differences. In conclusion, administration of topical medication induced a significant degree of subclinical inflammation and change of conjunctival cell profile. However it did not depend on multiple drug regimen but on total treatment duration.
Biopsy ; Fibroblasts ; Filtering Surgery ; Filtration* ; Glaucoma, Open-Angle ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Lymphocytes ; Macrophages ; Microscopy

Cardiopulmonary bypass in children is associated with capillary leak, which results in an increase in total body water after open heart surgery. The purpose of these studies was to assess the cardiopulmonary effects of modified ultrafiltration after pediatric open heart surgery. Study A: Twenty-six consecutive children aged 0.1~10 years(median 7 months) underwent cardiac operation incorporating modified ultrafiltration. After completion of cardiopulmonary bypass, modified ultrafiltration was commenced at the flow rate of 100~150l/min for 3~14 min. After modified ultrafiltration, elevation of hematocrit(28.3%+/-3.6% vs. 33.8%+/-4.0%, p<0.001), increased systolic blood pressure(66.7+/-11.2mmHg vs. 76.2+/-11.8mmHg, p<0.02), and decreased central venous pressure(7.8+/-3.7mmHg vs. 6.9+/-2.9mmHg, p<0.001) were observed. Study B: Twenty-six children who underwent cardiac operation with the diagnosis of VSD under 2 years were assigned to control(n=14) or modified ultrafiltration(n=12). Peak inspiratory pressure checked immediately after operation was significantly lower in modified ultrafiltration group than in control group(20.0+/-2.4 cmH2O vs. 22.4+/-2.3cmH2O, p< 0.03). Modified ultrafiltration after cardiopulmonary bypass in children improves early hemo- dynamics and pulmonary mechanics, and represents an excellent option for perioperative management of accumulation of fluid in the tissues. We will continually employ the modified ultrafiltration technique in pediatric cardiac operations.
Body Water ; Capillaries ; Cardiopulmonary Bypass ; Child ; Diagnosis ; Filtration ; Heart* ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Mechanics ; Thoracic Surgery* ; Ultrafiltration*

Generally, the postoperative failure of glaucoma filtrationsurgery(GFS) is caused by scarring of filtering site. Mitomycin C(MMC) has been commonly used for preventing the scarring of filtering site. Though the antifibroblastic effect of this drug is approved clinically, its cytotoxic side effect cannot be overlooked,. alpha-tocopherol is known to inhibit proliferation of fibroblast without cytotoxic complications. In this study, we used alpha-tocopherol in GFS of rabbits and investigated the maintenance of bleb formation, complications and inhibition of fibroblast proliferation compared with MMC. Thirty six rabbits were divided into 6 groups Negative control groups were the balanced salt solution soaked group and the 19% ethanol soaked group and positive control group was soaked with 0.2mg/ml MMC during GFS. As experimental groups, group I, II, III were soaked with 100micrometer, 1mM and 10mM alpha-tocopherol. The results were as follows: For the maintenance of bleb formation, at postoperative 2 weeks, all extinguished in negative control groups and each experimental groups from I to III showed 16.7%, 33.3%, 50%, with highest rate of 66.7% in MMC soaked group, but at 2 months, group III and MMC soaked group showed 33.3% equally. Various complications were present in MMC soaked group but rare in alpha-tocopherol soaked groups. On histologic examinations, proliferation of fibroblast and infiltration of lymphocyte in group II, III and MMC soaked group except group I were much less than those of negative control groups and the degree of inhibition was proportional to concentration of tocopherol. There was no statistic difference(P>0.05) in area of reticulin fibers between group III and MMC soaked group and antifibroblastic effects were also similar between these two groups. These result suggest when directlyconcentration(1mM<) as much as MMC. Moreover, it is expected to be used more safely during GFS withous serious cytotoxic complications. However, application method, dosageand possible long term complications.
alpha-Tocopherol* ; Blister ; Cicatrix ; Ethanol ; Fibroblasts* ; Filtering Surgery* ; Filtration* ; Glaucoma* ; Lymphocytes ; Mitomycin ; Rabbits* ; Reticulin ; Tocopherols

We investigated whether there was any difference in the extent of cupping reversal after reduction of intraocular pressure(IOP) by trabeculectomy between advanced glaucoma(stage IV of Jonas classification; 6 eyes) and less advanced glaucoma(stage III or less; 5 eyes). Computer-aided morphometry was performed in 11 eyes of 10 adult patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma in whom reversal of glaucomatous cupping was apparent photographically. Mean preoperative IOP, postoperative IOP, and percent reduction of IOP respectively were 42.5+/-8.3mmHg, 12.5+/-3.8mmHg, and 69.1+/-13.2%(range, 40.6 to 81.0%) over a mean period of 22.7+/-14.6 months(range, 5 to 53 months). Mean cup area and cup to disc ratio decreased significantly(P<0.01, Wilcoxon signed rank test). The reversal of rim area/disc area ratio showed a marginally significant correlation with the percent reduction of IOP(Spearman`s correlation coefficient=0.57, P=0.07). The reversal of vertical cup to disc ratio was significaltly lower in eyes with advanced glaucoma than in eyes with less advenced glaucoma(P=0.03, Mann-Whitney U test). Although reversal of other disc parameters tended to be lower in eyes with advanced glaucoma, they were not statistically significant. In eyes with advanced glaucoma, reversal of rim area/disc area ratio was more pronounced in the nasal disc region than in the superior or inferior disc region. Our results suggest that the extent of cupping reversal after reduction of IOP may decrease in the advanced stage of glaucoma than in mild to moderate stages of glaucoma.
Adult ; Classification ; Filtering Surgery* ; Filtration* ; Glaucoma* ; Glaucoma, Open-Angle ; Humans ; Intraocular Pressure ; Trabeculectomy

We investigated whether there was any difference in the extent of cupping reversal after reduction of intraocular pressure(IOP) by trabeculectomy between advanced glaucoma(stage IV of Jonas classification; 6 eyes) and less advanced glaucoma(stage III or less; 5 eyes). Computer-aided morphometry was performed in 11 eyes of 10 adult patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma in whom reversal of glaucomatous cupping was apparent photographically. Mean preoperative IOP, postoperative IOP, and percent reduction of IOP respectively were 42.5+/-8.3mmHg, 12.5+/-3.8mmHg, and 69.1+/-13.2%(range, 40.6 to 81.0%) over a mean period of 22.7+/-14.6 months(range, 5 to 53 months). Mean cup area and cup to disc ratio decreased significantly(P<0.01, Wilcoxon signed rank test). The reversal of rim area/disc area ratio showed a marginally significant correlation with the percent reduction of IOP(Spearman`s correlation coefficient=0.57, P=0.07). The reversal of vertical cup to disc ratio was significaltly lower in eyes with advanced glaucoma than in eyes with less advenced glaucoma(P=0.03, Mann-Whitney U test). Although reversal of other disc parameters tended to be lower in eyes with advanced glaucoma, they were not statistically significant. In eyes with advanced glaucoma, reversal of rim area/disc area ratio was more pronounced in the nasal disc region than in the superior or inferior disc region. Our results suggest that the extent of cupping reversal after reduction of IOP may decrease in the advanced stage of glaucoma than in mild to moderate stages of glaucoma.
Adult ; Classification ; Filtering Surgery* ; Filtration* ; Glaucoma* ; Glaucoma, Open-Angle ; Humans ; Intraocular Pressure ; Trabeculectomy