The outcomes of subtotal vitrectomy in macular surgeries: a single surgeon case series.

Abstract

To investigate the outcomes of subtotal vitrectomy in epiretinal membrane (ERM) and idiopathic macular hole (IMH) surgeries. The patients who underwent vitrectomy for primary ERM and IMH were included. After the truncation of posterior hyaloid, cortical vitreous was incompletely removed and anterior vitreous was left in place. The main outcome measure was the complications of the surgical technique during the postoperative 12months of follow-up. Fifty-two eyes were included. Thirty-seven eyes had ERM, and 15 had IMH. During the 12months of follow-up period, 33% of the phakic patients showed progression in the lens opacities and required cataract surgery. Other postoperative complications were listed as follows: transient intraocular pressure increase in 3 (5.9%), endophthalmitis in 1 (2.0%), and retinal detachment in 1 patient (2.0%). Subtotal vitrectomy seems as an effective and safe surgical technique in the treatment of macular diseases.