OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of viscocanalostomy plus near-360-degree suture trabeculotomy (VST) with viscocanalostomy plus rigid probe trabeculotomy (VT) in treating primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) over a one-year follow-up.
METHODS: This consecutive retrospective study included patients with PCG confirmed within 3 years of age from March 2017 to October 2019. Efficacy was evaluated by comparing the postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) curve and the success rate at one year after surgery. Safety was assessed by comparing the postoperative complications. The number of anti-glaucoma agents, horizontal corneal diameter (HCD) and cup-to-disc ratio (C/D) of the two surgical methods were also compared.
RESULTS: Data of 90 eyes from 61 patients were analysed. The baseline parameters of the two groups were similar. The IOP at 12 months after surgery in the VST group was 12.7 ± 4.8 mmHg, while that in the VT group was 15.8 ± 6.5 mmHg. The IOP at 6, 9 and 12 months postoperatively in the VST group was significantly lower than in the VT group (p < 0.05). Viscocanalostomy plus near-360-degree suture trabeculotomy (VST) remained a significant favourable factor for complete one-year success (93.6% versus 74.4%, p = 0.005) but not qualified one-year success (97.9% versus 88.4%, p = 0.06). The number of anti-glaucoma agents, HCD and C/D were reduced in both groups. Postoperative complications were not significantly different between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS: In children with PCG, VST provides a more durable IOP control than VT over the one-year follow-up, with a similar safety profile.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the preliminary efficacy and safety of a novel technique for trabeculotomy for the treatment of primary congenital glaucoma (PCG).
METHODS: This retrospective interventional study was conducted on patients with PCG. Pliability test was performed among 5/0 and 6/0 polypropylene sutures and the flexible illuminated microcatheter. Viscocanalostomy was first performed and the Schlemm\'s canal was identified. Then, suture trabeculotomy was completed except the region for viscocanalostomy. The preoperative and follow-up data were recorded and analyzed. Success criteria were defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤ 21 mmHg without (complete success) or with medications (qualified success).
RESULTS: 5/0 polypropylene suture was an appropriate option for cannulation of Schlemm\'s canal. A total of 33 eyes from 23 consecutive patients were included with a mean follow-up of 9.3 ± 3.6 months (range 6-18 months). Circumferential cannulation by suture was successfully performed in 28 eyes (84.8%) of 18 patients. Mean IOP decreased from 33.9 ± 9.4 mmHg preoperatively to 10.5 ± 3.5 mmHg at 6 months (p < 0.001) and 11.3 ± 4.1 mmHg at 9 months (p < 0.001). Complete success rate was 92.9% [95% confidence interval (CI:0.83-1.03)] and 87.5% (CI:0.69-1.06) at 6 months and 9 months, respectively. Hyphema was found in 5 eyes (17.9%), all of which were absorbed within 1 week. No other complications were observed.
CONCLUSIONS: Viscocanalostomy combined with nearly 360-degree suture trabeculotomy as a novel technique controls IOP in patients with PCG without any severe complications. It is suitable for extended applications because of accurate identification of Schlemm\'s canal and low cost.