Combined effect of Interceed and 5-fluorouracil on delayed adjustable strabismus surgery

Aims/background-To discover a more reliable method of performing delayed su ture adjustment as a basis to investigate whether delayed adjustment actual ly provides more stable results. In order to prevent the formation of posto perative adhesions and delay the time of adjustment, an animal study was pe rformed to determine the combined effect of physical barriers, Viscoat and Interceed, and a pharmacological agent, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Methods-38 rabbit eyes were divided into three groups. After recession of t he superior rectus muscle (SRM), 5-FU was applied beneath and over the SRM in group 5-FU. Group I-f had Interceed and 5-FU and group I-fv, Interceed, 5-FU, and Viscoat. Delayed adjustment was performed once on each SRM at 1, 2, and 3 weeks postoperatively. The possible length and the necessary force to adjust as well as the degree of adhesions were recorded. Results-5-FU delayed the adjustment for up to 1 week after surgery in three out of four eyes. Combined use of Interceed and 5-FU could delay the adjus tment for up to 1 week after surgery in three out of five eyes. Addition of Viscoat could delay the adjustment for up to 1 week after surgery in four out of five eyes. Adjustment was possible on only one of four eyes thereaft er. Conclusions-Combined use of Interceed, 5-FU, and Viscoat could delay the ad justment in rabbits until 1 week postoperatively.