Clinical Outcomes Of Safety And Efficacy Of Bent Ab-Interno Needle Goniotomy : First Indian Case Series (Migs) With Phacoemulsification

To evaluate the results and efficacy of combining Bent Angled Needle Goniotomy (BANG) with Phacoemulsification in the treatment of primary open angle and normal tension glaucoma. This study aims to report the efficacy in terms of intraocular pressure reduction and reduction in number of medications in Indian eyes with primary open angle glaucoma, following bent ab-interno needle goniotomy. 

retrospective single-centre, singl-surgeon study 

A retrospective chart review was performed on 30 eyes of 22 patients who underwent BANG combined with phacoemulsification surgery for glaucoma treatment at Arunodaya Eye Hospital, Gurgaon by a single surgeon. Glaucoma severity was classified as mild, moderate, or severe, and the patients were followed up for 3 months postoperatively. Data on pre-operative intraocular pressure (IOP), post-operative 1st and 3rd month IOP, and number of anti-glaucoma medications (AGMs) used were collected and analyzed.

The study showed a statistically significant decrease in IOP from pre-operative levels to 1st month and 3rd month postoperative levels, with an average IOP reduction of 5.72 mm Hg and 4.67 mm Hg, respectively. Additionally, 22 out of 30 eyes (73.33%) showed a reduction in IOP greater than 20%, and 17 out of 30 eyes (56.67%) had a reduction in AGMs by the end of 3 months. Sub-analysis based on severity of glaucoma showed a greater IOP reduction in severe glaucoma cases.

The results of this study suggest that combining BANG with phacoemulsification may be an effective treatment option for primary open angle and normal tension glaucoma. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up durations are needed to confirm these findings.