23G Vitrectomy Research Articles

Successful use of PRGF-endoret® and ILM peeling for full thickness macular hole in MacTel type 2: A case report and review of literature.

To describe the successful use of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF-Endoret®) and internal limiting membrane peeling for full thickness macular hole in Macular Telangiectasia type 2. A case report of a full thickness macular hole (FTMH) associated with Macular Telangiectasia (MacTel) type 2 is described. 25-G vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and use of (PRGF-Endoret®) was performed. Several ophthalmological visits were conducted and multiple diagnostic tests were carried out including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography. A 72-year-old man under follow-up for MacTel type 2 presented with worsening vision in his left eye, with a best visual corrected acuity (BVCA) of 20/80. OCT demonstrated a FTMH in the left eye measuring 264 µm. A 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy surgery was performed with ILM peeling, use of PRGF-Endoret® and tamponade with 20% sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Three weeks after surgery, complete anatomical closure was observed with a BVCA of 20/40, which improved to 20/25 one year after the surgery. The use of PRGF associated with ILM peeling may be a useful tool in the treatment of macular holes associated with MacTel Type 2 with excellent anatomical and functional outcomes.

REMOTE FUNCTIONAL RESULTS PATIENTS WITH MACULAR HOLE AND RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT SURGICAL TREATMENT WITH DIFFERENT VOLUMES OF PRESERVATION OF THE INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE ACCORDING TO MICROPERIMETRY DATA

Rationale: Macular hole is a defect of the retina in the foveolar zone. In combination with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, this disease can lead to irreversible deterioration of visual functions and requires immediate surgical treatment. One of the trends in modern ophthalmic surgery is to increase the area of preservation of the internal limiting membrane during the macular hole blocking. Despite this, microperimetry data indicate the appearance of microscotomas at the point of peeling initiation and a general decrease in the photosensitivity of the retinal tissue in the membrane removal zone.Objective: to analyze the dynamics of changes in the retinal functional parameters of patients with macular hole and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment according to microperimetry data after surgical treatment in the late postoperative period.Methods: Data from 40 patients (40 eyes) diagnosed with macular hole and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were prospectively studied. Patients in group 1 (20 patients, 20 eyes) underwent surgical treatment, including three-port 25G vitrectomy, perfluoroorganic compound, vitreous body sanitation at the periphery, and silicone tamponade. Membrane peeling was performed during the second operation to remove silicone. Patients in group 2 underwent vitrectomy, membrane staining under the perfluorine layer, membrane peeling with closure of the macular hole with an inverted flap, vitreous body sanitation during the first intervention. The operation was also completed with silicone tamponade. During the second intervention, silicone oil was removed from the vitreous cavity.Results: When comparing the light sensitivity index of the retinal tissue in the foveolar zone between the groups, a reliable difference in the indices by 1.2 times continued to persist up to one and a half years after the final stage of surgical treatment, there was a predominance of values in patients of the 1st group with a completely preserved membrane (p = 0.043 in comparison with the data of patients of the 2nd group). In three peripheral zones of the macula, during the long-term observation period up to one and a half years after surgery, the indices of patients of the 1st group prevailed by 1.5 times (p = 0.041 in comparison with the data of patients of the 2nd group).Conclusion: based on the analysis of the dynamics of the functional indices of the retina of patients after surgical treatment of macular hole in combination with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, the refusal to perform membrane peeling on the detached retina during the first stage of surgical intervention allows to avoid aggressive mechanical trauma to the retinal tissue.

Vitrectomy combined with inverted internal limiting membrane flap insertion or single-layered flap covering technique for highly myopic macular holes with macular retinoschisis.

To investigate the anatomical and visual outcomes of inverted internal limiting membrane (i-ILM) flap insertion versus single-layered i-ILM flap covering in highly myopic macular holes (HMMHs) associated with macular retinoschisis (MRS). A retrospective study compared 23G vitrectomy with i-ILM flap insertion (30 eyes) or covering (31 eyes) in HMMH patients. Pre- and postoperative optical coherence tomography images and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were evaluated. Macular hole schisis (MHS) was classified into three types based on the extent of outer layer schisis. Regression analysis identified predictors of closure rate and postoperative BCVA. The baseline data of the two groups were matched, including BCVA, axial length, and minimum linear diameter, except for a higher hole height in insertion group (P=0.038). After a mean follow-up of 11.7 months, type I closure rates were 83.3% (25/30) in the insertion group and 90.3% (28/31) in the covering group (P=0.335), respectively. The intact external limiting membrane in the covering group (7/28) was higher compared to the insertion group (1/28) finally (P=0.026). Final BCVA improved significantly in both groups (P<0.001), the BCVA was better in closed HMMHs in the covering group (P=0.011). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that preoperative BCVA (β=0.386, P=0.001) and MHS stage (β=0.309, P=0.004) were independent predictive factors for the final BCVA. The single-layered i-ILM flap covering favored foveal structure recovery and provided a better visual prognosis in closed HMMHs compared with insertion. The preoperative BCVA and MHS stage were independent predictors of visual outcomes in patients with HMMHs.

Optimizing surgical performance and safety in endoresection of uveal melanoma.

To present a standardized surgical technique for endoresection of uveal melanoma (UM) minimizing the risk of serious adverse events, including fatal gas embolism. Ten UM patients underwent endoresection following proton beam radiotherapy for radiotherapy-related vascular complications. Vortex veins located in correspondence of the tumor base had been cauterized at the time of tantalum markers placement. Endoresection was performed following complete 25G vitrectomy, endolaser and endodiathermy. The tumor was removed using a subretinal or transretinal approach depending on retinal infiltration. If needed, perfluorodecalin (PFD) was injected to stabilise the retina. Fluid-silicone oil (SO) or PFD-SO exchange was performed, avoiding air. Endoresection was successfully performed in all eyes with no intraoperative complications. Mean follow-up (FU) was 10.8 ± 3.2 months. One patient was enucleated due to neovascular glaucoma. At the last FU, the remaining patients had the eye preserved and no signs of local recurrence or neovascular glaucoma. Our standardized surgical technique for UM endoresection appeared to be safe, minimizing the risk of serious intraoperative and postoperative adverse events.

Retrolental cohesive ophthalmic viscoelastic injection for severe subluxated cataracts: a prospective study

BackgroundTo assess anatomical and functional outcomes of retrolental cohesive ophthalmic viscoelastic injection (“Viscolift technique”) in patients with severely subluxated cataracts.MethodsIn the present prospective study, we included patients older than 18 years with severely subluxated cataracts and phacodonesis. Full medical history was obtained at the baseline ophthalmological assessment. A single 25-gauge valved trocar was inserted 4 mm from the limbus and a 27G angled cannula was introduced through the trocar into the retrolental space, while cohesive viscoelastic was progressively injected, in order to center and elevate the cataract to facilitate capsulorhexis. After complete phacoemulsification, a 3-piece intraocular lens (IOL) with a scleral fixated Cionni ring or FIL-SSF scleral fixated IOL was implanted. Patients follow-up interval was 6 months after surgery.ResultsThirteen eyes of 13 patients were enrolled in the study, mean age was 61.5 ± 9.4 years and 53.8% were females. The “Viscolift technique” resulted in centered and more stable cataracts in all cases (100%). After complete phacoemulsification, 61.5% of patients were implanted with a 3-piece IOL with Cionni ring, and 38.5% with a FIL-SSF scleral fixated IOL after complete 25G vitrectomy. Mean BCVA improved from 0.5 ± 0.1 LogMar (20/63 Snellen) to 0.1 ± 0.1 LogMar (20/25 Snellen) (p < 0.001) at the last follow-up. No major complications were noted.ConclusionsThe “Viscolift technique” proved to be a safe and effective surgical approach for recentering and elevating subluxated cataracts, thus allowing the surgeon to perform an easier and better-centered capsulorhexis.

PFCL nightmare: Scleral rupture and novel use of gelatin sponge in repair

We report a case of scleral rupture that occurred during perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) injection in a case of bullous rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD), which was managed uniquely using a gelatin sponge. So far, only two case reports of scleral rupture during PFCL injection have been reported. A 69-year-old gentleman presented with complaints of sudden-onset painless blurring of vision in his right eye and was diagnosed with pseudophakia with total bullous RD. During 23-G vitrectomy, PFCL was injected using a single-bore cannula. During FAE, the globe appeared hypotonous with choroidal folds. Scleral rupture with retinal incarceration was noted in the superotemporal quadrant. This case report illustrates further unique management.

An Alternative Technique For Intraocular Lens Removal: Bimanual Cleavage In The Vitreous Chamber

Purpose: We aimed to present a new technique for lens explantation, involving intraocular lens (IOL) cleavage in the vitreous chamber using two forceps and successive removal from the anterior chamber (AC). Methods: Retrospective mono-centric analysis of 10 eyes affected by IOL subluxation/luxation who underwent IOL explantation and 23G vitrectomy. After separating the capsular bag rests from the IOL using the vitrectomy probe, serrated forceps were used to grab the IOL, while microscissors performed an “initiation” cut at the midpoint of the lens plate. A second pair of serrated forceps grabbed the IOL plate on the other side. Then, the two forceps were slowly pulled one apart from the other, exerting a separative force perpendicular to the initiation cut and causing the IOL to cleave in two pieces. In case of asymmetric cleavage, a second cleavage was performed. The pieces of the IOL were then moved to the AC and removed through a clear corneal incision. Results: Intraoperative mean IOL removal time was 14.1±6.5 minutes. The IOLs (seven 1-piece and three 3-pieces IOLs) were successfully explanted with this technique in all patients. Overall, 4 cases underwent exclusive IOL explantation and the eyes were left aphakic. Postoperatively, BCVA improved in all patients at 1 week follow-up and no intraoperative or postoperative adverse events were reported. Cornea was completely clear in every case since postoperative day 1. Conclusion: Bimanual cleavage technique for IOL removal ensured safer IOL handling in the larger vitreous chamber and minimized the procedures to be performed in the AC.

Minimally Invasive Vitreoretinal Surgery (25G, 27G) with High-speed Vitrectomy Cutter – Case Series

Introduction:The development of vitreoretinal surgery is inseparably linked to the gradual miniaturization and decreasing invasiveness of the procedure. The smallest available systems are 23G, 25G, and 27G, which are referred to as minimally invasive vitreoretinal surgery techniques. This paper presents the preoperative and postoperative results of three patients undergoing posterior vitrectomy using the 25G or 27G systems with the HIPERVIT probe (Alcon, USA). The effects were retrospectively analyzed in terms of changes in best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, occurrence of complications, and changes in optical coherence tomography images of macular edema. Examinations were performed before and one day, two weeks, three months, and six months after vitrectomy. The potential benefits and drawbacks of using these systems in practice were analyzed.Case report:The analysis concerns the results of the performed posterior vitrectomy procedure in patients with full-thickness macular hole, tractional retinal detachment due to diabetic retinopathy, and vitreomacular traction syndrome.Conclusions:The performed procedures allowed for improvement in both anatomical and functional conditions of the macula. All analyzed patients showed an improvement in visual acuity. None of the analyzed patients required the use of scleral sutures. Serious complications were not observed during the surgery or during the 6-month observation period. 25G and 27G HYPERVIT vitrectomy can be successfully used in the discussed vitreoretinal diseases. In the discussed cases, it enabled the effective and safe performance of the procedure.

Early Choriocapillaris Loss in a Porcine Model of RPE Cell Debridement Precedes Pathology That Simulates Advanced Macular Degeneration.

No large-mammal surgical models exist for geographic atrophy (GA), choroidal neovascularization (CNV), and pachychoroidal vascular remodeling. Our goal was to develop a porcine RPE debridement model of advanced macular degeneration to study photoreceptor cell loss and choroidal remodeling. Seven 2-month-old female domestic pigs were used for this study. After 25G vitrectomy, the area centralis was detached via subretinal bleb. A nitinol wire (Finesse Flex Loop) was used to debride RPE cells across a 3- to 5-mm diameter region. Fluid-air exchange was performed, and 20% SF6 gas injected. Animals underwent fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT-angiography (OCTA) at 2 weeks, 1month, 2months, 3months, and 6 months postoperatively. Retinal histology was obtained at euthanasia, 2months (n = 3), 3months (n = 2), or 6months (n = 2) after surgery. RPE debridement resulted in GA with rapid loss of choriocapillaris, progressive loss of photoreceptors, and pachychoroidal changes in Sattler's and Haller's layers in all seven eyes undergoing debridement within 2 months. OCT and histological findings included subretinal disciform scar with overlying outer retinal atrophy; outer retinal tubulations and subretinal hyper-reflective material. OCTA revealed type 2 CNV (n = 4) at the edges of the debridement zone by 2 months, but there was no significant exudation noted at any time point. Surgical debridement of the RPE results in GA, CNV, and pachychoroid and reproduced all forms of advanced macular degeneration. This surgical model may be useful in examining the role of RPE and other cell replacement in treating advanced macular disease.

Dose-Dependent Progression of Chorioretinal Atrophy at the Injection Site After Subretinal Injection of rAAV2/8 in Nonhuman Primates

ObjectiveProgressive retinal atrophy has been described after subretinal gene therapy utilizing the adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector platform. To elucidate whether thIS atrophy is a consequence of inherent properties of AAV, or if it is related to the surgical trauma of subretinal delivery, we analyzed data from an IND-enabling study for PDE6A gene therapy in non-human primates. DesignAnimal study (non-human primates), retrospective data analysis SubjectsForty eyes of thirty healthy non-human primates (macaca fascicularis) were included in the analysis. Two AAV dose levels (low: 1x10E11, high: 1x10E12) were compared to sham-injection (balanced saline solution; BSS). Twenty untreated eyes were not analysed. MethodsAnimals were treated with a sutureless 23G vitrectomy and single subretinal injections of AAV.PDE6A and/or BSS. The follow up period was 12 weeks. Atrophy development was followed using fundus-autofluorescence (AF), optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescence angiography (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). Main Outcome MeasuresArea [mm2] of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy on AF. Presence of outer retinal atrophy on OCT. Area [mm2] of hyperfluorescence in FA and hypofluorescence in ICGA. ResultsProgressive atrophy at the injection site developed in 54% of high dose, 27% of low dose, and 0% of sham-treated eyes. At the end of observation, the mean±SD area of atrophy in AF was 1.19±1.75 mm2, 0.25±0.50 mm2 and 0.0±0.0 mm2 respectively (sham x high dose: p=0.01). Atrophic lesions in AF (p=0.01) and FA (p=0.02) were significantly larger in high dose eyes, compared to sham-treated eyes. Rate of progression in high dose eyes was 4.1x higher compared to low dose eyes. ConclusionSubretinal injection of AAV.PDE6A induced dose-dependent, progressive retinal atrophy at the site of injection. Findings from multimodal imaging were in line with focal, transient inflammation within the retina and choroid and secondary atrophy. Atrophic changes after gene therapy with AAV-based vector systems are not primarily due to surgical trauma and increase with the dose given.

Visual outcome of 25 Gauge vitrectomy for acute post operative infectious endophthalmitis.

The correlation between the change in foveal thickness measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT) following surgery for infectious endophthalmitis and preoperative and postoperative visual acuity is uncertain, and there are few pertinent studies on this topic. We explored the variations in macular thickness using OCT after emergency vitrectomy for post-cataract infectious endophthalmitis and the relationship between macular thickness with changes in visual function. We included 10 cases of post-cataract infectious endophthalmitis. Each patient underwent 25-G vitrectomy. The infection in all 10 patients was under control and visual function improved. Postoperative vitreous humor culture was positive in 8 patients, including 7 cases of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus epidermidis and 1 case of Lactobacillus acidophilus. The average age of these 10 patients was 71.60 ± 8.71 years (P< 0.05, two-tailed). There was no significant correlation between time 2 (the time of onset after cataract surgery) and visual prognosis. The average time 1 (the time of the vitrification surgery caused by the onset of the disease) was 1.45 ± 0.76 days (P< 0.05, two-tailed). The postoperative 3dVA ranged from 0.20 to 3.00, with an average visual acuity of 1.87 ± 1.12, which was superior to the preoperative value (P< 0.01, two-tailed). The correlation between the post3dVA and post 1mVA was significant. The post 1mVA ranged from 0.05 to 2.20, with an average visual acuity of 0.94 ± 0.74 (P< 0.05, two-tailed). The correlation between post 1mVA and post3mVA was significant. Also, paired t-tests comparing preoperative and postoperative visual acuity revealed a significant correlation (P< 0.05, two-tailed). The post3mVA was 0-1.00 with an average visual acuity of 0.44 ± 0.41. The postoperative foveal thickness ranged from 176.00 to 514.00 μm, with an average thickness of 281.10 ± 113.12 μm. Emergency 25-G minimally invasive vitrectomy can improve visual acuity and decrease the reoperation rate for patients who have acquired post-cataract infectious endophthalmitis. There were significant correlations between age, disease onset to operation time, preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, and postoperative macular thickness.

Investigation of the recurrent vitreous hemorrhage risk factors after early 25G vitrectomy in diabetic vitreous hemorrhage.

Vitreous hemorrhage (VH) is one of the main causes of vision loss in diabetic retinopathy (DRP). Early surgery increases the visibility of the retina, allowing early recognition of DRP complications and additional treatments. One of the most important reasons affecting success after surgery is recurrent vitreous hemorrhage (RVH). We aimed to investigate the risk factors for RVH after early 25G vitrectomy in diabetic VH. Eighty eyes of eighty patients who underwent early 25G PPV surgery with a diagnosis of VH due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) were included in this retrospective study. Vision acuity changes and intraocular pressure (IOP) changes were compared. The effect of arterial hypertension (HT), coronary artery disease (CAD), preoperative antiglaucomatous usage, and anticoagulant usage on RVH was investigated. A value of P < .05 was accepted as statistically significant. Postoperative RVH was observed in 18 (22.5%) patients. There was no correlation between the age of the patients and the development of postoperative RVH (r = -0.197, P = .08). The rate of HT and the mean HbA1C levels were found to be higher in the patients who developed RVH than in those who did not (P = .04 and < 0.001, respectively). The presence of CAD, preoperative glaucoma disease, and the use of anticoagulants did not have any effect on RVH (P = .229, 0.843, 0.932, respectively). HT and increased HbA1c were found to be risk factors for RVH in VH patients who underwent 25G vitrectomy in the early period in our study.

25-GAUGE VERSUS 27-GAUGE VITRECTOMY FOR MANAGEMENT OF VITREORETINAL DISEASES: A Large Prospective Randomized Trial.

To compare the safety and performance clinical outcomes of the 27-gauge (G) two-dimensional cutting vitrectomy probe versus a standard 25-G probe for retinal procedures. In this large randomized prospective study, all candidates for epiretinal membrane or macular hole surgery were randomized to the 27-G group or 25-G group. Outcome measures included surgery time, changes in best-corrected distance visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and central macular thickness between baseline and 1-month and 3-month follow-up time points. Moreover, intraoperative and postoperative complications were evaluated as well as the rate of sutureless vitrectomy. A total of 463 patients were included in this study, 227 patients in the 27-G group and 236 patients in the 25-G group. A similar total surgery time was found between both groups ( P = 0.0911). Similar best-corrected distance visual acuity and central macular thickness changes were observed between baseline and the 1-month and 3-month follow-up visits. No significant differences were reported in intraoperative and postoperative complications rates. The rate of sutureless vitrectomy was 96.5% for the 27-G group and 91.1% for the 25-G group ( P = 0.0170). These results suggest that 27-G vitrectomy probe is similar to 25-G probe in surgery time and complications, while decreasing the need for vitrectomy sutures.

Removal Large Fragment of Metal Wire from Eye Using Vitrectomy. Clinical Case

Purpose. Demonstration of non-standard clinical case of removing large fragment of metal wire from the eye. Patient and methods. Patient, 37 years old, with penetrating right eye injury with intraocular foreign body (IOFB) introduction — a fragment of metal wire. After unsuccessful attempt to remove IOFB during primary repair of eye injuries lacerations by ophthalmologist of the surgical department of the district hospital, he was sent to the Khabarovsk branch of the S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution. On admission: VIS OD — 0.01 uncorrected, intraocular pressure (IOP) — 16 mm Hg (noncontact tonometer TOMEY, Japan). OD — metal IOFB protrudes by 1.0 mm from the corneoscleral laceration in projection of corneal limbus at the 13 o’clock position, postoperative aphakia; according to B-scan ultrasonic data: metallic foreign body of linear shape, 14.3 mm long, about 1.5 mm thick. There is hemorrhage in the vitreous cavity. Results. Initially, conditions for visualization of the vitreous cavity were created by performing 25G vitrectomy. The course of wire location was specified: under the choroid and retina, going out through the sclera in the equatorial region. After conjunctival tweezers expanded wound edges, the embedded fragment of wire was delicately remove: 25 mm in length and 2 mm in diameter. A single retinal break was delimited by cryotherapy and laser photocoagulation. On the 2nd day: VIS OD — 0.3 with diaphragm, uncorrected; IOP — 13 mm Hg. After 3 months: VIS OD — 0.01 sph + 13.0 D = 0.7, IOP — 14 mm Hg. Silicone removal was combined with intraocular lens implantation model RSP-3 (+23D). The next day: VIS OD — 0.3 with diaphragm, 0.5 cyl — 6.0 D ax 170 = 0.5; IOP — 16 mm Hg. Conclusion. Use of 25G vitrectomy for removal IOFB localized between the inner membranes of the eye created optimal conditions for visualizing depth of its penetration, which minimized traumatic impact and avoided severe intra- and postoperative complications.

Optical coherence tomography angiography features of the chorioretinal complex and choriocapillaris perfusion before and after vitrectomy with conventional versus fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane peeling for idiopathic macular hole

Purpose: To assess optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA)-measured changes in the chorioretinal complex and choriocapillaris perfusion density in the macula before and after vitrectomy with fovea-sparing versus conventional internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for idiopathic macular hole (IMH). Material and Methods: Eyes with stage-2 to stage-4 holes as per the classification by Gass received 25-G vitrectomy with conventional or fovea-sparing ILM peeling and gas tamponade with 20% SF6 or 15% С3F8. IMH diameter, foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area in the deep retinal plexus and choriocapillaris perfusion density (CPD) were assessed before and 1 month after surgery. Results: Totally, 70 patients had an IMH surgery in 71 eyes. The mean age ± standard deviation (SD) was 65.7 ± 6.8 years, median IMH duration (interquartile range or IQR), 3.0 (1.0-6.0) months, median best-corrected visual acuity or BCVA (IQR), 0.19 (0.1-0.25), and median maximum IMH diameter (IQR), 673.5 (549.5–1010.5) µm. In eyes with IMH and fellow eyes, the median FAZ area (IQR) was 0.51 (0.15–0.53) mm2, and 0.46 (0.10–0.74) mm2, respectively (р = 0.49), and mean CPD ± SD, 0.11 ± 0.06, and 0.29 ± 0.13 (р = 0.0001), respectively. Thirty-four eyes received conventional ILM peeling and 37 eyes, fovea-sparing ILM peeling, and there was no significant intergroup difference in baseline characteristics. One month after surgery, IMH closure was achieved in 63/71 eyes (i.e., the closure rate was 88.7% for total operated eyes, and 88.2% and 89.2%, respectively, for eyes in conventional ILM peeling and fovea-sparing ILM peeling groups), and median BCVA (IQR) improved to 0.60 (0.4–0.8) (р = 0.00001). After IMH closure, in operated eyes, median FAZ area (IQR) decreased to 0.30 (0.12–0.6) mm2, but the difference was not significant, whereas mean CPD ± SD increased significantly from 0.11 ± 0.06 to 0.25 ± 0.10 (р = 0.0001). No significant difference in OCTA-based retinal microcirculation and choriocappillaris characteristics was observed between the conventional ILM peeling and fovea-sparing ILM peeling groups. Conclusion: The presence of macular hole is accompanied by abnormal perfusion in the choriocapillaris, but the CPD recovers after IMH closure. Postoperative CPD recovery is not influenced by the type (conventional or fovea-sparing) of ILM peeling.

Технология микрохирургической реконструкции фовеа при макулярных разрывах

Macular rupture is among major vitreoretinal disorders resulting in significant visual function decline. In recent years, the use of platelet-rich autoplasma in the macular rupture surgery is considered to be promising. However, despite high rate of macular rupture closure (78–96%), the development of new technology for foveal microarchitectonics restoration and visual function improvement currently remains a pressing issue. The study was aimed to develop a new foveal reconstruction technique for macular rupture involving the use of autologous conditioned plasma. The reported study involved 9 patients (10 eyes) with idiopathic macular hole, who underwent standard three-port 27G vitrectomy involving the use of autologous conditioned plasma in accordance with the technique developed. The proposed technique makes it possible to achieve good clinical and functional surgical treatment outcome and ensures optimal and more manageable reconstruction of foveal microarchitectonics.

General Advantages and Disadvantages of 20, 23, 25 and 27 Gauge Vitrectomies

Over the last half-century, vitreoretinal surgery has evolved from 20-gauge to 23-, 25- and 27-gauge vitrectomy, also known as micro-invasive vitrectomy, with the development of technology and instrumentation. The most important difference of 20-G vitrectomy from other systems is that it creates a larger sclerotomy and therefore requires sutures. Although its large diameter is an advantage depending on the surgical indication, the necessity of sutures also brings disadvantages. On the other hand, micro-invasive vitrectomy systems usually do not require sutures due to their smaller diameter, and suture-related complications are not encountered. Other important advantages are that they can also be used in complex vitreoretinal surgeries. Although they have lower infusion and aspiration rates compared to 20-G vitrectomy as a result of their small diameter, each system has advantages and disadvantages depending on the surgical indication used. This review aims to comparatively present the general advantages and disadvantages of the 20-, 23-, 25- and 27-gauge vitrectomies.

27‑Gauge vitrectomy vs. 25‑gauge vitrectomy in the management of proliferative diabetic retinopathy with preoperative intravitreal injection of conbercept.

Small-gauge vitrectomy has become popular due to its notable advantages, including less trauma, shortened convalescence and improved manoeuvrability. The aim of the present study was to compare the surgical outcomes of 27-gauge (27-G) vitrectomy with those of 25-gauge (25-G) vitrectomy in the management of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) with preoperative intravitreal injection of conbercept. The data of 48 consecutive patients with PDR (48 eyes) were retrospectively collected. The patients underwent conbercept intravitreal injection and pars plana vitrectomy with a 27-G group (23 eyes) or 25-G group (25 eyes) vitrectomy system. The operating time, suturing rate, endodiathermy rate, postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP) and complications were recorded. The mean postoperative BCVA at final follow-up was significantly improved compared with that at the baseline in both groups (P<0.001 for both). The differences in the mean BCVA changes between the two groups were not significant (P>0.99), and no differences were observed in the final central foveal thickness (P=0.51) between the two groups. The final IOP remained stable compared with that at the baseline in the 27-G group (P=0.36) and the 25-G group (P=0.05). The suturing rate was significantly decreased in the 27-G group compared with the 25-G group (P=0.04). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the operating time (P=0.18), rate of endodiathermy use (P>0.99), iatrogenic retinal breaks (P=0.42) or postoperative recurrent vitreous haemorrhage (P>0.99). In addition, no case of ocular hypotony was observed in either group. In conclusion, 27-G vitrectomy was as efficient and safe as 25-G vitrectomy in the management of PDR in terms of operating time and complications. With reference to the literature, preoperative conbercept injection appears to assist in decreasing the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Paediatric cataract surgery with 27G vitrectomy instrumentation: the Ghent University Hospital Experience.

To describe a cohort of paediatric patients who underwent unilateral or bilateral lens extractions at Ghent University hospital using the Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center (D.O.R.C.) ultra-short 27G vitrectomy system. Retrospective analysis of the medical and surgical records of all children that underwent lens extraction between September 2016 and September 2020 using the D.O.R.C. ultra-short 27G vitrectomy system. Seventy-two eyes of 52 patients were included. The most important aetiologies in this study were of secondary (25.5%), developmental (13.7%), or genetic (13.7%) nature. No definitive cause could be established in more than a quarter of cases (27.5%) despite extensive work-up, them being deemed idiopathic. The remainder of cases (19.6%) was not assigned a final aetiologic designation at the time of the study due to contradicting or missing diagnostic data. This study could not identify any cataract cases related to infection or trauma. Surgical complications rate was 61.1% of which posterior capsule opacification was the most frequent with a rate of 25%. A significant short-term postoperative best-corrected visual acuity gain (≤ -0.2 LogMAR) was observed in 60.5% of eyes for which usable acuity data were available (n = 38). Many different instruments and techniques have been described and used in the context of paediatric lens extractions, each with its advantages and disadvantages. This study illustrates that an ultra-short 27G vitrectomy system can be used to perform paediatric lens extractions with good surgical outcomes. Further studies and comparative trials are needed to ascertain this further.

Influencing factors of low vision 2 years after vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy: an observational study

BackgroundProliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) can seriously affect the vision and quality of life of patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical effect of vitrectomy for PDR by observing visual recovery and postoperative complications and to explore the factors influencing low vision.MethodsThis was a case series observational study. Consecutive eyes of patients with PDR who underwent 23G vitrectomy in our hospital within one year (2019.11-2020.11) were collected and followed up for more than 2 years. Patients’ visual acuity, surgical complications and management were collected before the operation and during the follow-up. Decimal visual acuity was recorded and converted to the logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) for statistical analysis. Excel was used to establish a database, and SPSS 22.0 statistical software was used for data analysis.ResultsA total of 127 patients and 174 eyes were included in the study. The mean age was 57.8 years. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was < 0.3 in 89.7% of eyes before surgery and ≥ 0.3 in 48.3% of eyes after surgery. Among 174 eyes, visual acuity improved in 83.3%. There was no change in 8.6% of eyes, while 8.1% of eyes had decreased visual acuity after surgery. The average logMAR visual acuity was 1.5 ± 0.7 before surgery and 0.7 ± 0.6 after surgery, indicating significant improvement (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that intraoperative silicone oil filling and postoperative complication were significant risk factors for postoperative low vision, while preoperative pseudophakic lens and postoperative intra vitreal injection of anti-VEGF were protective factors for vision recovery (p < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications was 15.5%, top three of which were vitreous haemorrhage, neovascular glaucoma and traction retinal detachment.ConclusionVitrectomy is safe and effective in the treatment of PDR with few complication. Postoperative intra vitreal injection of anti-VEGF is a protective factor for vision recovery.Trial registrationThe trial registration number is ChiCRT2100051628, and the date of registration was September 28, 2021.