Comparative Efficacy of Phacotrabeculectomy versus Trabeculectomy with or without Later Phacoemulsification: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses

There is no consensus on the surgical management of coexisting cataract in patients who undergo glaucoma surgery. In this study, we systematically reviewed the literature to compare the efficacy and safety of phacotrabeculectomy and trabeculectomy either alone or followed by later phacoemulsification. We systematically searched the literature databases PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central. Eligible studies were comparative trials of eyes with glaucoma that underwent either phacotrabeculectomy or trabeculectomy with or without later phacoemulsification. Our primary outcome measure was intraocular pressure (IOP) control closest to 12 months. Secondary outcome measures were efficacy closest to 12 months in terms of visual acuity, visual field, prevalence of complications, needling or revision, number of antiglaucomatous medications, and surgical success. We identified 25 studies with a total of 4,749 eyes. The IOP did not differ significantly between those who underwent phacotrabeculectomy versus trabeculectomy with (MD: 0.63, CI95%: −0.32, 1.59, p=0.19) or without later phacoemulsification (MD: −0.52, CI95%: −1.45, 0.40, p=0.27). However, phacotrabeculectomy was associated with lower risk of complications (RR: 0.80, CI95%: 0.67, 0.95, p=0.01) and better visual acuity corresponding to a 1.4-line difference (MD: −0.14, CI95%: −0.27, −0.95, p=0.03) compared to trabeculectomy. Other secondary outcome measures did not differ significantly (visual field, needling or revision, number of antiglaucomatous medications, and surgical success). In conclusion, postoperative IOP is comparable, and the number of complications is lower when phacotrabeculectomy is compared to trabeculectomy with or without later phacoemulsification in patients with coexisting glaucoma and cataract. However, our study also reveals that the level of evidence is low, and randomized clinical trials are warranted.