Trabeculectomy

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maximum cost
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Things you need to know

1.What is Trabeculectomy ​?
2.Why do you need it?
3.Why cost vary in philippines?
4.Surgery cost range by city
5.Surgery Procedure
6.Recovery
7.Risk and complications
8.FAQ
9.Conclusion

What is Trabeculectomy ?

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Why do you need Trabeculectomy ?

Trabeculectomy is indicated for:

  • Uncontrolled glaucoma:
    • Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG): High IOP despite maximum medical therapy or laser trabeculoplasty.
    • Angle-closure glaucoma: After iridotomy fails to control IOP.
    • Secondary glaucoma: E.g., uveitic, traumatic, or neovascular glaucoma.
  • Progressive optic nerve damage:
    • Worsening visual field loss or optic disc cupping despite treatment.
  • High-risk cases:
    • Young patients, high baseline IOP (>30 mmHg), or advanced glaucoma needing rapid IOP reduction.

The procedure aims to lower IOP by creating a filtering bleb (a small reservoir under the conjunctiva) to drain aqueous humor, typically achieving an IOP of 10–15 mmHg to halt glaucoma progression.

Why Do Trabeculectomy Costs Vary in Philippines?

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Trabeculectomy Procedure

  • Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis:
      • Tonometry: Measures IOP (normal: 10–21 mmHg; glaucoma: often >21 mmHg).
      • Gonioscopy: Assesses the drainage angle.
      • Optic disc exam: Evaluates optic nerve damage (e.g., cupping).
      • Visual field test: Detects peripheral vision loss.
      • Pachymetry: Measures corneal thickness (affects IOP readings).
      • Blood tests: Blood sugar, clotting profile.
    • Medications: Stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin) 5–7 days prior if safe; continue glaucoma drops until surgery.
    • Consent: Risks, including infection, are explained.
  • Surgical Techniques:
    • Trabeculectomy:
      • Performed under local anesthesia (peribulbar or sub-Tenon’s block), lasting 45–60 minutes.
      • A conjunctival flap is created (fornix-based or limbus-based) to access the sclera.
      • A partial-thickness scleral flap is made near the limbus (cornea-sclera junction).
      • A small piece of tissue (trabecular meshwork) is removed to create a drainage channel into the subconjunctival space.
      • Mitomycin-C (MMC, 0.02–0.04%) or 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) may be applied for 1–5 minutes to reduce scarring (esp. in high-risk cases).
      • The scleral flap is loosely sutured (adjustable or releasable sutures) to control outflow.
      • The conjunctiva is closed with fine sutures (e.g., 8-0 Vicryl), forming a filtering bleb.
    • Intraoperative Tools:
      • Operating microscope: Enhances precision.
      • Mitomycin-C/5-FU: Reduces scarring.
      • Adjustable sutures: Fine-tune drainage post-op.
  • After Surgery:
    • Observation: 1–2 days in hospital.
    • Eye care: Antibiotic/steroid drops (e.g., prednisolone, moxifloxacin) for 6–8 weeks; stop prior glaucoma drops in the operated eye.
    • Pain management: Mild discomfort for 2–5 days; managed with acetaminophen.
    • Instructions: Avoid rubbing the eye, heavy lifting, or water exposure for 4–6 weeks; wear an eye shield at night.

Recovery After Trabeculectomy

  1. Hospital Stay: 1–2 days.
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Vision: May be blurry for 1–2 weeks due to swelling or IOP changes; stabilizes in 4–6 weeks.
    • IOP: Reduced within days; target 10–15 mmHg; monitored closely.
    • Eye care: Antibiotic/steroid drops for 6–8 weeks; avoid water, dust, or rubbing the eye for 4 weeks.
    • Activity: Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or strenuous activity for 4–6 weeks; normal activities (e.g., reading) in 1–2 weeks.
    • Bleb care: The bleb should remain flat; a raised or leaking bleb may need intervention.
    • Discomfort: Mild irritation or foreign body sensation for 1–2 weeks; managed with drops.
  3. Follow-Up:
    • Visits at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, then every 3 months for 1 year to monitor IOP and bleb function.
    • Suture release (if adjustable): 1–4 weeks post-op to enhance drainage if needed.

Most resume normal activities in 2–4 weeks; full recovery takes 4–6 weeks. Success rate: 70–90% achieve IOP control at 1 year (may need drops); vision preservation depends on pre-existing optic nerve damage.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:
    • Bleeding (1–3%): Hyphema (blood in anterior chamber); usually resolves spontaneously.
    • Infection (1–2%): Bleb-related infection (blebitis) or endophthalmitis; treated with antibiotics, may need surgery.
    • Leaking bleb (5–10%): Excessive drainage causing low IOP (hypotony); may need suturing.
  • Post-Surgery:
    • Hypotony (5–10%): Too-low IOP (<5 mmHg) causing blurry vision or choroidal detachment; may resolve or need intervention.
    • Bleb failure (10–20%): Scar tissue blocks drainage; may need needling, 5-FU injections, or revision surgery.
    • Cataract (20–30% within 2–5 years): Accelerated by surgery; may need cataract surgery.
    • Vision loss (1–3%): Rare; due to hypotony, infection, or uncontrolled IOP.
  • Long-Term:
    • Bleb leak (1–5%): Late-onset; increases infection risk; may need repair.
    • Encapsulated bleb (5–10%): Thickened bleb wall; may need needling or revision.

Report sudden vision loss, severe pain, redness, or discharge promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes the need for trabeculectomy?

Uncontrolled glaucoma (e.g., POAG, angle-closure, secondary) with progressive optic nerve damage or high IOP despite treatment.

Can I avoid trabeculectomy?

Yes, if earlier treatments work: Medications, laser trabeculoplasty, or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS); trabeculectomy is for advanced or refractory cases.

Is trabeculectomy painful?

No, performed under anesthesia; mild discomfort for 1–2 weeks, managed with medication.

How soon can I resume activities?

Light activities in 1–2 weeks; normal routines in 2–4 weeks; full recovery in 4–6 weeks.

Is trabeculectomy covered by insurance in India?

Yes, for medical necessity; confirm with your provider.

Signs of complications?

Sudden vision loss, severe pain, redness, or discharge.

Will my vision improve after trabeculectomy?

The goal is to preserve vision, not improve it; vision improvement depends on pre-existing optic nerve damage.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Avoid rubbing the eye, use prescribed drops, avoid contact sports, monitor IOP regularly, and attend follow-ups.

Conclusion

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Looking for Best Hospitals for Trabeculectomy

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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