Late reopening of successfully treated macular holes after combined phaco‐vitrectomy ILM peel and gas

Abstract

PurposeTo demonstrate reduction in reopening of macular holes after minimally invasive suturless vitrectomy and ILM peel combined with phaco compared with published literatureMethodsRetrospective analyses of the operation notes and follow up appointments in consecutive patients treated successfully for macular hole with a minimum of 24 months follow up. All patients were included who had combined phaco vitrectomy for macular hole, between 1/1/2011 and 1/4/2014. Anatomical success was confirmed on OCT in all cases within 2 month of surgery. Statistical analysis was performed using chi square to compare the outcomes with published data and assess the significance of these findingsResultsCurrently in the medical literature, the late reopening rate following successful macular hole surgery is reported to be between 1–9.5% (different surgical techniques used, references available). Late failure has been associated with subsequent cataract surgery and ERM formation. In this study, we report no reopening of macular holes post vitreo‐retinal surgery when combined with ILM peel and phacoemulsifcation of the lens (rate of 0%). We found this difference to be statistically significant as compared to average rates of reopening from the published studies.ConclusionsCombination of minimally invasive vitrectomy and ILM peel with phacoemulsification of the lens potentially leads to reduced rates of late macular hole reopening; therefore, may be a preferred method of treatment.