Primary Pars Plana Vitrectomy With 360-Degree Endolaser Photocoagulation for Pseudophakic Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Abstract

Purpose: To report the results of primary pars plana vitrectomy with 360-degree endolaser photocoagulation for pseudophakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 35 eyes of 35 patients who hadundergone vitrectomy without scleral bucking as a primary operation for pseudophakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with a follow-up period of more than 12 months. We also analyzed the anatomical success rate and the patients’ final visual acuities. In all patients, endolaser photocoagulation was applied to the retinal tears, as well as to 360-degrees of the peripheral retina, using a curved illuminating endolaser probe intraoperatively. Results: The mean patient age was 61 years, and the mean follow-up period was 20 months. The mean preoperative visual acuity (logMAR) was 1.06, while the mean postoperative visual acuity (logMAR) was 0.23. Twenty-four (69%) of the 35 patients showed macular detachment, and 34 (97%) of the 35 eyes experienced retinal reattachment and visual improvement after a single operation. Complications included epiretinal membrane (6%) and cystoid macular edema (3%). Conclusions: Primary pars plana vitrectomy with 360-degree endolaser photocoagulation, instead of sclera buckling, seemsto be an effective method in managing pseudophakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.