Fascia lata patch graft in glaucoma tube surgery

Purpose: To determine if using human cadaveric fascia lata grafts to cover glaucoma implant tubes is safe and effective. Methods: All patients who underwent glaucoma implant surgery at the Doheny Eye Institute between July 1993 and September 1993 received a fascia]ata patch graft to cover the subconjunctival portion of the tube. These patients were followed prospectively for clinical signs of conjunctival breakdown, graft melt, tube erosion, graft-related inflammation, infection, and graft-related complications. Results: Twenty-two eyes of 21 patients were followed for a mean of 19 months, All eyes tolerated the fascia lata grafts well without clinical evidence of graft-related conjunctival, scleral, or intraocular inflammation, No tube erosion or melting of the graft was observed in the study group. Conclusion: Preserved donor fascia lata was well tolerated as a grafting material in glaucoma implant surgery. No clinical signs of graft rejection, foreign body reaction, tube erosion, or graft melt were observed in the study group during the follow-up period.