The Experimental Research of Rabbit's Sclerotomy Sites Undergoing Transconjunctival Sutureless Vitrectomy

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the healing mechanism of the rabbit's sclerotomy sites undergoing the Transconjunctival Sutureless Vitrectomy (TSV). Methods: Thirty-two rabbits (Thirty-two eyes) were divided into four groups: The rabbits performed with the core vitrectomy and air tamponade were Group A, performed with the core vitrectomy as Group B, performed with the non-core vitrectomy and air tamponade as Group C, and the non-core vitrectomy as Group D. The sclerotomy sites were observed by the Ultrasound Biomicroscope (UBM model 840, Humphrey Instruments, San Leandro, CA, USA) on days 1, 3, 5, and 9 postoperatively, and the diameter of the internal and the external aperture was estimated on postoperative day 1. The pathological study of the sclerotomy sites on days 3, 5, and 9 postoperatively were investigated under the light microscope. Results: The Ultrasound Biomicroscope and the pathological sections showed that the healing course of the sclerotomy sites lasted nine days. On postoperative day 1, the vitreous incarceration (19/32, 59.4%), the fluid cavity (18/32, 56.3%), and the air cavity under the conjunctiva (7/16, 43.8%) existed in some cases. The diameter of the internal aperture in Group A and Group B was less than Group C and Group D on day 1 postoperatively, P < 0.001. The diameter of the external aperture did not show significant difference in any of the groups. The pathological study verified the healing course was the granulation reaction. Conclusion: The healing mechanism of the rabbit's sclerotomy sites undergoing the (TSV) is the granulation reaction accompanied with the elastic recovery of the sclera.