Which surgical procedure involves the removal of a portion of the trabeculum?

Study for the Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant Exam. Test yourself with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question provides hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Trabeculectomy is a surgical procedure specifically designed to treat glaucoma by creating a new drainage pathway for aqueous humor, aimed at lowering intraocular pressure. During this procedure, a portion of the trabeculum, which is the tissue responsible for draining fluid from the eye, is removed. This helps to bypass the clogged drainage canals and facilitates better fluid outflow, thereby alleviating pressure within the eye.

The significance of this procedure lies in its effectiveness for patients who do not respond well to medications or other forms of treatment. By removing a part of the trabeculum, the surgeon creates a small reservoir, or bleb, under the conjunctiva, allowing fluid to be reabsorbed and controlling the pressure more effectively.

In contrast, vitrectomy involves the removal of the vitreous gel from the eye and is primarily used to treat problems related to the retina rather than addressing issues with the trabeculum. Keratectomy relates to the removal of corneal tissue, while pterygium excision involves removing abnormal growths on the cornea, neither of which includes manipulation of the trabecular meshwork. Therefore, the focus on the removal of the trabeculum makes trabeculectomy the correct answer.

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