Management of Rare Secondary Full-Thickness Macular Hole in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: Inverted ILM Flap Technique with Extended Surgical Follow-up

Objectives The inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique has been shown to increase the success rate in large full-thickness macular holes (FTMHs) and in FTMHs associated with high myopia. The aim of our study was to confirm the efficacy and safety of inverted ILM flap technique in idiopathic FTMHs independent of their dimensions and to assess functional outcomes and their correlation to morphologic findings. Methods Sixteen consecutive patients affected by idiopathic FTMH were enrolled in this prospective study. The preoperative mean (±SD) diameter of the FTMH was 422 (±106) µm. All patients underwent vitrectomy and ILM peeling with inverted ILM flap. At 1-, 3-, and 6-month postoperative visits, visual acuity measurement, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and microperimetry were performed, and the foveal contour and the integrity of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) and external limiting membrane (ELM) were investigated using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Results At six months postoperatively, 15 out of 16 (93.75%) patients obtained FTMH closure. The mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 1.1 LogMAR to 0.3 LogMAR, and the mean retinal sensitivity (MS) improved from 7.2 to 23.4 dB. ELM defects were evident in 1 out of 16 (6.25%) eyes, and EZ defects were detected in 2 out of 16 (12,50%) eyes. A statistically significant relationship was observed between BCVA, MS, and EZ reconstitution at each follow-up visit. Conclusions Results confirm that the inverted ILM flap technique is a safe and effective option for FTMH treatment and show a strong correlation between higher BCVAs and MSs and EZ reconstitution after surgery.

BackgroundThe anatomical success rate of macular hole surgery ranges around 93–98%. However, the prognosis of large macular holes is generally poor. The study was conducted to compare the anatomical and visual outcomes of Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) peeling vis-a-vis inverted ILM flap for the treatment of idiopathic large Full-Thickness Macular Holes (FTMH).MethodsThis was a prospective randomized control trial. The study included patients with idiopathic FTMH, with a minimum diameter ranging from 600 to 1500 μm. The patients were randomized into Group A (ILM peeling) and Group B (inverted ILM flap). The main outcome measures were anatomical and visual outcome at the end of 6 months. Anatomical success was defined as flattening of macular hole with resolution of the subretinal cuff of fluid and neurosensory retina completely covering the fovea.ResultsThere were 30 patients in each group. The mean minimum diameters in Group A and B were 759.97 ± 85.01 μm and 803.33 ± 120.65 μm respectively (p = 0.113). The mean base diameter in group A and B was 1304.50 ± 191.59 μm and 1395.17 ± 240.56 μm respectively (p = 0.112). The anatomical success rates achieved in Group A and B were 70.0 and 90.0% respectively (p = 0.125). The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after 6 months was logMAR 0.65 ± 0.25 (Snellen equivalent, 20/89) in Group A and logMAR 0.53 ± 0.20 (Snellen equivalent, 20/68) in Group B (p = 0.060). The mean improvement in BCVA was 1.4 lines and 2.1 lines in groups A and B respectively (p = 0.353). BCVA≥20/60 was achieved by 13.3 and 20.0% in group A and B respectively (p = 0.766).ConclusionThe anatomical and functional outcome of Inverted ILM flap technique in large FTMH is statistically similar to that seen in conventional ILM peeling.Trial registrationClinical Trials Registry – India (Indian Medical Research) CTRI/2017/11/010474.

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy of the inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique in vitrectomy for macular hole (MH) with retinal detachment (RD) compared with vitrectomy using ILM peeling.MethodsA retrospective case series study was performed. Twenty-two eyes of 22 patients who underwent vitrectomy for MH with RD and followed-up more than 12 months after the surgery were included in this study. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent vitrectomy with inverted ILM flap technique or vitrectomy with ILM peeling. Ten patients who had been treated vitrectomy with inverted ILM flap technique, and 12 patients who had been treated vitrectomy with ILM peeling were analyzed. We evaluated changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before and after surgery, closing rates of MH, and retinal reattachment rates and compared between both groups.ResultsMH was closed and RD was reattached postoperatively in 9 eyes (90%) in the inverted ILM flap group. In the ILM peeling group, the MH was closed in 4 eyes (33.3%) and the retinas were reattached in 6 eyes (50%) after surgery. Significant improvement in BCVA after surgery (P = 0.0017) was only found in the inverted ILM flap group.ConclusionsHigher rates of closed MH and retinal reattachment, and small but significant improvement in BCVA were found in the inverted ILM flap group. Based on our data, the inverted ILM flap technique may be useful in vitrectomy for MH with RD.

To compare the anatomical and functional outcomes of the inverted internal limiting membrane(ILM) flap technique and ILM insertion technique for the treatment of large macular holes(MHs). Seventy-four consecutive eyes with large MHs(minimum diameter ≥400 µm) were included. All patients underwent 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy(PPV) with either inverted ILM flap technique(n=40) or ILM insertion technique(n=34). Swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) was performed before surgery and 12 months postoperatively. The rate of MH closure, postoperative best corrected visual acuity(BCVA) and SS-OCT findings were evaluated at 12 months after surgery. MH closure was achieved in 34 eyes(85%) of the inverted ILM flap group and in 30 eyes(88.2%) of the ILM insertion group.There was no significant difference in the rate of MH closure(P=0.685). The mean BCVA improved from 1.30±0.81 logMAR (Snellen: 20/400) at baseline to 0.64±0.67 logMAR (Snellen: 20/87) at 12 months in the inverted ILM flap group, which was significanlty better than that in the insertion ILM group(P=0.047). At 12 months, the mean external limiting membrane (ELM) defect sizes was 106.68±196.25 µm in the inverted ILM flap group and 234.12±296.06 µm in the ILM insertion group, whereas the mean ellipsoid zone (EZ) defect sizes were 167.08±223.08 µm and 261.58±290.92 µm, respectively. The mean ELM defect sizes were significantly smaller in the inverted ILM flap group than in the ILM insertion group(p=0.039). However, there was no significant difference in mean EZ defect sizes between the two groups(P=0.160). Both the inverted ILM flap and the insertion ILM techniques were associated with high rates of MH closure in large MHs. The inverted ILM flap technique seemed to be more effective surgery for large MHs compared with the ILM insertion techniques in improving visual outcomes.

To evaluate the efficacy of inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique in full-thickness macular holes (MHs) with a size of ≤400 μm compared to the ILM peeling technique. Related literatures that compared inverted ILM flap and ILM peeling in MHs ≤ 400 μm were reviewed by searching electronic databases including Pubmed, EMbase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Library up to April 2023. The primary outcome measure was hole closure rate, and the secondary outcome measures were the mean postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), retinal sensitivity, and outer status of the retinal layers, including the external limiting membrane and ellipsoid zone. The quality of the articles was assessed according to the revised version of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials or the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. In the case of heterogeneity, a sensitivity analysis was conducted, and publication bias was visually evaluated using a funnel plot. This review included six studies with 610 eyes for the primary outcome and 385 eyes for the secondary outcomes, which were two randomized control trials and four retrospective studies. Pooled data revealed that the overall MH closure rate was 99.4% in the inverted ILM flap group and 96.2% in the ILM peeling group, without significant difference between the two groups (odds ratio = 3.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.82~18.69; P = 0.09). The inverted ILM flap technique did not have a favorable effect on the BCVA, retinal sensitivity, or recovery of the outer retinal layers. These results were consistent with those of the subgroup analysis of the different follow-up periods. No significant publication bias was observed. In eyes with MHs of ≤400 μm, both techniques demonstrated excellent surgical outcomes without significant differences. Therefore, surgical techniques can be selected according to surgeon preferences.

Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane Flap versus Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling for Macular Hole Retinal Detachment in High Myopia

Background The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare morphological and functional outcomes between vitrectomy with the inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique and vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling in highly myopic eyes with macular hole- (MH-) induced retinal detachment (MHRD). Methods The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were comprehensively searched from inception to November 10, 2019, for published studies comparing the two techniques for the treatment of MHRD. The outcomes in the collected articles included the postoperative MH closure rate, retinal reattachment rate, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Review Manager (version 5.3) was used for analyses. Results In total, seven retrospective studies comparing the inverted ILM flap technique with ILM peeling for the treatment of MHRD were included. The MH closure rate was significantly higher in the inverted ILM flap group than in the ILM peeling group at 6 and 12 months after initial surgery (OR = 15.39; 95% CI: 6.68 to 35.43;P < 0.00001 and OR = 12.58, 95% CI: 3.51 to 45.08; P=0.0001), while the retinal reattachment rate was similar in both groups at 6 months after initial surgery (OR = 2.40; 95% CI: 0.89 to 6.50; P=0.08). Besides, the postoperative BCVA was significantly better in the inverted ILM flap group than in the ILM peeling group at 12 months after initial surgery (MD = −0.35; 95% CI: −0.52 to −0.18; P < 0.0001). Conclusions Thus, the MH closure rate and postoperative BCVA may be better with the inverted ILM flap technique than with ILM peeling for myopic MHRD, while the postoperative retinal reattachment rate appears to be similar with both techniques. Therefore, in the future, vitrectomy with the inverted ILM flap technique should be preferred over standard ILM peeling technique for the treatment of MHRD in highly myopic eyes.

Purpose: To report a case of the expansion of submacular retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy after using the inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique for a persisting, large, stage IV macular hole (MH). Case Report: A 79-year-old woman presented with a chronic large MH that remained open despite pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). The surgery was performed twice for the MH closure 14 years earlier. ILM peeling was not performed during the previous surgeries. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) with the Landolt ring chart was 0.08 at her visit. The minimum MH diameter was 1,240 μm. Inverted ILM flap technique with 20% SF6 gas tamponade was performed for the MH closure. For the inverted ILM flap technique, 25-gauge PPV and ILM staining with indocyanine green were used. The ILM was peeled off for 2 disc diameters around the MH, but the ILM was not removed completely. The ILM was then inverted and covered the MH. Results: One month after surgery, the MH was closed, accompanied by glial cell proliferation spreading from the inverted ILM flap (as reported before). On the other hand, the area of the submacular RPE atrophy, which was already observed 1 week after surgery, gradually increased in size. BCVA improved to 0.3 six months after the surgery. Conclusions: The inverted ILM flap technique may be promising even for persisting large MH which were not closed in previous surgeries, but long-term observation is needed because the detailed behavior of the inverted ILM and the Müller cells after surgery is not yet known.

To compare the anatomical and visual outcomes of inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique with the conventional ILM peeling for idiopathic large macular holes (MHs). A meta-analysis of randomized control trials (RCTs) using online databases including NCBI PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ISI Web of Science was performed. Anatomic success and type 1 closure rates, the mean postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the mean change of BCVA from baseline were analyzed. Out of 251 articles, four described clinical trials matching the inclusion criteria and were selected. They included 276 eyes (135 eyes in the inverted ILM flap group and 141 eyes in the ILM peeling group). All the studies used gas tamponade, with two studies having a follow-up duration of 3 months, while one study had a follow-up of 6 months and one study- 12 months. The meta-analysis demonstrated that anatomic success and type 1 closure rates (presence of neurosensory retina in MH) were better in the inverted ILM flap technique (odds ratio (OR) = 4.89; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.09-11.47; P = 0.0003 and OR = 5.23; 95% CI, 2.83-9.66; P<0.00001). Similarly, the inverted flap technique was superior in terms of postoperative logMAR BCVA and mean change of logMAR BCVA from baseline (weighted mean difference (WMD) = 0.17, 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.24, P<0.00001 and WMD = 0.08, 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.16, P = 0.03). Inverted ILM flap treatment resulted in better closure rates and visual acuity when compared to the standard ILM peeling for large MHs.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to compare the anatomical and visual outcomes of inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique and internal limiting membrane peeling in large macular holes (MH).MethodsRelated studies were reviewed by searching electronic databases of Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library. We searched for articles that compared inverted ILM flap technique with ILM peeling for large MH (> 400 μm). Double-arm meta-analysis was performed for the primary end point that was the rate of MH closure, and the secondary end point was postoperative visual acuity (VA). Heterogeneity, publication bias, sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were conducted to guarantee the statistical power.ResultsThis review included eight studies involving 593 eyes, 4 randomized control trials and 4 retrospective studies. After sensitivity analysis for eliminating the heterogeneity of primary outcome, the pooled data showed the rate of MH closure with inverted ILM flap technique group was statistically significantly higher than ILM peeling group (odds ratio (OR) = 3.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.89 to 8.27; P = 0.0003). At the follow-up duration of 3 months, postoperative VA was significantly better in the group of inverted ILM flap than ILM peeling (mean difference (MD) = − 0.16, 95% CI = − 0.23 to 0.09; P < 0.00001). However, there was no difference in visual outcomes between the two groups of different surgical treatments at relatively long-term follow-up over 6 months (MD = 0.01, 95% CI = − 0.12 to 0.15; P = 0.86).ConclusionVitrectomy with inverted ILM flap technique had a better anatomical outcome than ILM peeling. Flap technique also had a signifcant visual gain in the short term, but the limitations in visual recovery at a longer follow-up was found.

Large macular holes are not uncommon among Nepalese women population causing severe visual problem. To evaluate the technique of inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flaps for the repairment of large macular holes. All 10 macular holes (diameter > 400 μm) were treated with pars planavitrectomy with inverted ILM flap technique. The procedure for macular hole surgerywas pars plana vitrectomy, posterior vitreous removal, internal limiting membrane(ILM) peeling with brilliant blue assisted, inverting ILM flap into macular hole, filling of the vitreous cavity with a gas bubble(C3 F8) and post-operative face-down positioning for 1 week. SD OCT images were taken preoperative and postoperative 1 month and 3 months follow up to assess the anatomical outcome of surgery and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was used to evaluate the functional outcome during each visit. The BCVA was recorded using the Snellen chart and was converted to the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) equivalents. All 10 eyes had complete anatomical closure. The mean age of patients was 64.3 ± 7.53 years. The mean macular hole base diameter was 1039.4 μm (663-1526μm). Mean BVCA pre-operatively was 1.29 log MAR ±SD 0.25. Post-operatively, mean BCVA was 0.925 log MAR ±SD 0.143 (p= 0.002). There were no intra operative or post-operative complications. All the patients were followed up for a period of 3months. Inverted ILM flaps is effective for closure of the large macular hole and restoration of functional vision.

PurposeTo compare the anatomical and visual outcomes of inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique with the conventional ILM peeling for idiopathic large macular holes (MHs).MethodsA meta-analysis of randomized control trials (RCTs) using online databases including NCBI PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ISI Web of Science was performed. Anatomic success and type 1 closure rates, the mean postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the mean change of BCVA from baseline were analyzed.ResultsOut of 251 articles, four described clinical trials matching the inclusion criteria and were selected. They included 276 eyes (135 eyes in the inverted ILM flap group and 141 eyes in the ILM peeling group). All the studies used gas tamponade, with two studies having a follow-up duration of 3 months, while one study had a follow-up of 6 months and one study– 12 months. The meta-analysis demonstrated that anatomic success and type 1 closure rates (presence of neurosensory retina in MH) were better in the inverted ILM flap technique (odds ratio (OR) = 4.89; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.09–11.47; P = 0.0003 and OR = 5.23; 95% CI, 2.83–9.66; P<0.00001). Similarly, the inverted flap technique was superior in terms of postoperative logMAR BCVA and mean change of logMAR BCVA from baseline (weighted mean difference (WMD) = 0.17, 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.24, P<0.00001 and WMD = 0.08, 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.16, P = 0.03)ConclusionInverted ILM flap treatment resulted in better closure rates and visual acuity when compared to the standard ILM peeling for large MHs.

Effects of repeat surgery in failed primary full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) closure with the inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique. Retrospective analysis of patients operated with the inverted ILM flap technique. Optical coherence tomography was performed before initial and secondary surgeries and then at up to 12 months post-surgery. During the second surgery, the inverted ILM flap created at the first attempt had returned to its original position, instead of covering the FTMH. FTMH was closed in 29 eyes after second surgery (89%) and in all eyes after third surgery. Visual acuity improved in 28 of 32 cases (87.5%). The tamponade used (either silicone oil or air) did not influence final visual results (P = .06). Repeat surgery with the inverted ILM flap technique is an effective method of treatment. Silicone oil improved anatomical outcome after second surgery but did not influence visual results. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2018;49:611-618.].

To evaluate the effect of vitrectomy with inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap for the treatment of macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD) in high myopia compared with that of ILM peeling. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Ovid, Wan Fang and CNKI were systematically reviewed. The primary outcome parameters were the MH closure rate, retinal reattachment rate and postoperative BCVA. Secondary outcome parameters, included intraoperative or postoperative complications. Seven retrospective comparative studies including 228 eyes were selected. No significant difference was detected in either postoperative BCVA (MD -0.07; 95% CI: -0.17 to 0.03; p = 0.16) or the improvement in postoperative BCVA (MD -0.17; 95% CI: -0.50 to 0.16; p = 0.32) between the ILM flap group and ILM peeling group. The retinal reattachment rate using inverted ILM flap was not significantly different from that using ILM peeling (odds ratio (OR) 2.24; 95% CI: 0.75-6.73; p = 0.15). The MH closure rate was higher with inverted ILM flap than with ILM peeling (OR 11.86; 95% CI: 5.65 to 24.92; p < 0.00001). There was no significant difference in intraoperative or postoperative complications, including concomitant cataract rate (OR 1.22; 95% CI: 0.42-3.58; p = 0.71). The inverted ILM flap technique could contribute to a higher MH closure rate than ILM peeling, but visual improvement was similar. Both surgical methods could obtain a high-retinal reattachment rate with fewer intraoperative and postoperative complications.

BackgroundTo compare the anatomical and functional outcomes of the inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique and the complete ILM removal in the treatment of large stage 4 macular hole (MH) > 400 μm and to evaluate reconstructive anatomical changes in foveal microstructure using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.MethodsThis is a retrospective, consecutive, nonrandomized comparative study of patients affected by idiopathic, myopic or traumatic stage 4 MH (minimum diameter > 400 μm) treated with 25-gauge pars-plana vitrectomy with either complete ILM peeling (n = 23, Group 1) or inverted ILM flap technique (n = 23, Group 2), between August 2016 and August 2018. Main outcomes measured were the MH closure rate assessed by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at six months. Foveal microstructure reconstructive changes were evaluated using SD-OCT to determine predictive factors of postoperative BCVA.ResultsClosure of MH was achieved in 16/23 cases of Group 1 (70%) and in 22/23 cases of the Group 2 (96%). Surgical failure was reported in 6 cases of Group 1 and 1 case of Group 2. The MH closure rate was significantly higher with the inverted ILM flap technique (P-value = 0.02). Average BCVA (LogMAR) changed from 1.04 ± 0.32 to 0.70 ± 0.31 in Group 1 and from 0.98 ± 0.22 to 0.45 ± 0.25 in Group 2 (P-value = 0.005) at 6 months. Improvement in BCVA (> 0.3 LogMAR units) was statistically higher in the Group 2 (P-value = 0.03). Restoration of foveal microstructure was significantly higher in the Group 2 at 6 months (52% vs 9%, P-value < 0.01). In Group 2, the integrity of the external limiting membrane at 3 months postoperatively was the only significant feature correlated with postoperative BCVA at 6 months (r = 0.562; P-Value = 0.01, forward stepwise regression analysis).ConclusionInverted ILM flap technique is more effective than the classic ILM peeling for the closure of large stage 4 MHs > 400 μm, improving both anatomical and functional outcomes. Early recovery of the external limiting membrane at 3 months is a positive predictive value of postoperative BCVA 6 months after inverted ILM flap technique.