J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2001 Sep;42(9):1344-1353.

The Histopathologic Findings after Insertion of Biodegradible Polymer Sheet Made of PGA and PLGA/5-FU with Filtering Surgery in the Rabbit

• Jo YJ
• Kim CS

Abstract

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.

Keyword

Biodegradible polymer; Filtering surgery; PGA; PLGA/5-FU

MeSH Terms

Conjunctiva
Filtering Surgery*
Filtration
Polymers*
Polymers