Endoscope-assisted Vitrectomy Research Articles

Chronic hypotony management using endoscopy-assisted vitrectomy after severe ocular trauma or vitrectomy.

To report outcomes of endoscopy-assisted vitrectomy (EAV) in patients with chronic hypotony following severe ocular trauma or vitrectomy. This was a retrospective, noncomparative case series. Ciliary bodies were evaluated using ultrasound biomicroscopy pre-operatively and direct visualisation intraoperatively. All selected individuals (seven patients/seven eyes) underwent EAV. Removal of ciliary membrane and traction, gas/silicone oil tamponade (GT/SOT), and scleral buckling (SB) were performed in selected eyes. Outcome measurements mainly included intraocular pressure (IOP) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Seven eyes from 7 male aphakic patients with a mean age of 45 (range, 20-68)y were included in this study; the average follow-up time was 12 (9-15)mo. GT was performed in 2 eyes; membrane peeling (MP) and SOT in 2 eyes; and MP, SOT, and SB in 3 eyes. The mean pre- and post-operative IOP were 4.5 (range, 4.0±0.11 to 4.8±0.2) mm Hg and 9.9 (range, 5.6±0.17 to 12.1±0.2) mm Hg at 52wk (12mo), respectively. BCVA improved in six eyes; one eye still showed light perception, and no bulbi phthisis was observed. Endoscopy offers improved judgment and recognition and has an improved prognosis for chronic hypotony. Therefore, endoscopy can be an effective and promising operative technique for chronic traumatic hypotony management.

Use of Endoscopy in Keratoprostheses with Biological Haptics.

In severe ocular surface disease where penetrating keratoplasty cannot be successfully performed, implantation of a keratoprosthesis can achieve visual rehabilitation. Osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis offers good tissue integration due to its biological haptics, resulting in a better survival rate and lower extrusion rate. Due to corneal opacity, which is often complete, assessing the potential visual acuity is challenging. Also, during implantation of a keratoprosthesis or during later intraocular revision surgery, there is a limited field of view of the peripheral retina or ciliary body region. This is due to the small size and central location of the prosthesis optics and the geometric conditions of the prosthetic haptics. These factors can complicate surgery. Endoscopic video assistance was used in 7 eyes of 6different patients (6 male, 2 female, mean age 66 ± 9 years). In 3 eyes the indication was for preoperative estimation of potential visual acuity during a 23 G vitrectomy. In 2 eyes it was used during implantation surgery itself, and in 2 eyes it was used during revision surgery and vitrectomy. An endoscope with semirigid optics and an image guidance system with 3,000 pixels and 70°field of view from PolyDiagnost was used, with a 23 G trocar system. Endoscopy was successfully applied in all eyes examined. In 1 of 3 eyes where endoscopy was performed to estimate the visual acuity potential, a keratoprosthesis was subsequently planned. In the other two eyes, the visual acuity potential was rated insufficient for future keratoprosthesis surgery. Detailed assessment of the retina and optic disc was limited to gross pathologies because of low image resolution. During implantation, it was possible to visualize correct positioning of the posterior haptic behind the host cornea. Retroprosthetic membranes could successfully be removed by endoscopy-assisted vitrectomy. Endoscopy assistance offers advantages in visualization both for determining the indication for KPro surgery, during implantation, and in the management of complications after implantation of a keratoprosthesis. Low resolution of the imaging system places limits on assessment capabilities. Although technical improvements and miniaturization may enhance its future capabilities, endoscopy in its current form is already a valuable addition in the context of keratoprosthesis surgery.

Endoscope-Assisted Vitrectomy Without Scleral Buckling in Retinal Detachment

A multicenter, prospective case series study conducted at four institutes revealed that ophthalmic endoscope-assisted vitrectomy could achieve a good primary success rate (94.5%, 258 out of 273 eyes) without scleral buckling in uncomplicated retinal detachment.

Value of Ocular Endoscopy in Extraction of Intraocular Foreign Bodies of Cilia in Patients with Open Ocular Trauma.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to analyze the value of ocular endoscopy in detecting and extracting intraocular cilia in patients with ocular trauma.Material/MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data on identification and extraction of 46 intraocular cilia in 16 eyes with open-globe injury during endoscope-assisted vitrectomy.ResultsA total of the 16 patients with open-globe injury were operated on from September 2002 to June 2019. The cornea in 14 eyes was cloudy. Two eyes had endophthalmitis and 13 eyes had retinal detachment. A total of 46 cilia were extracted through direct observation under the ocular endoscope during vitrectomy 1 to 68 weeks after injury. The number of cilia per eye varied from 1 to 10. Most of the cilia were located in or near the wound. Postoperative IOP was normal in 14 patients. The follow-up after surgery showed hypotony in only 2 eyes (7.2 and 5.8 mmHg, respectively). Compared with preoperative intraocular pressure, there was a statistically significant difference. The postoperative visual acuity improved in 12 eyes and remained unchanged in 3 eyes. The vision after surgery was significantly improved compared with that before surgery (P=0.006). The intraocular pressure increased significantly after operation (P<0.001). And no glaucoma or retinal detachment or endophthalmitis was found. No eyes needed additional vitreous surgery.ConclusionsOcular endoscopy allows surgeons to detect intraocular cilia that were no undetected by CT or B-ultrasound preoperatively in time and to extract them effectively. It improves performance of vitrectomy in the presence of a cloudy cornea and also prevents exogenous endophthalmitis. The vision of patients with ocular trauma was improved.

Clinical Outcomes of Endoscope-Assisted Vitreous Surgery for Giant Retinal Tear Detachment

Introduction: With the advent of perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL), the success rate of refractory giant retinal tear (GRT) detachment has dramatically improved. PFCL is a very effective tool when used properly, but in GRT detachment, it may move under the retina through the tear, so it is necessary to devise ways to prevent PFCL from migrating under the retina. Ophthalmic endoscope-assisted vitrectomy may reduce the risk of subretinal migration of PFCL, facilitate safer use of PFCL, and increase the success rate of GRT detachment. The present study aimed to describe the clinical outcomes of endoscope-assisted vitreous surgery for giant retinal detachment. Methods: Twenty consecutive eyes from 19 patients who had undergone endoscope-assisted vitreous surgery for treatment of a GRT detachment were enrolled. Subretinal fluid drainage, extension of the rolled GRT, and endophotocoagulation under air were performed with the aid of an endoscope, without the use of PFCL. Where necessary, extension of a fixed retinal fold and internal limiting membrane peeling was performed with PFCL. Results: The initial and final retinal reattachment rates were 90 and 95%, respectively. In 3 eyes, a small amount of PFCL was used, and there were no PFCL remnants. The mean follow-up duration was 18 months (range, 3–69 months). After surgery, the mean best-correlated visual acuity significantly improved from 20/514 to 20/41 (p = 0.0008). Discussion/Conclusion: Endoscope-assisted vitreous surgery for giant retinal detachment has favourable clinical outcomes for visual acuity and retinal detachment.

Endoscopy-assisted vitrectomy vs. vitrectomy alone: comparative study in complex retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy

BackgroundRecurrent retinal detachment (RD) is still a widespread event despite the therapeutic options available. Proliferative vitreoretinopoathy (PVR) is one of the main causes of redetachment. Little is known about the use of endoscopy-assisted vitrectomy (E-PPV) in complex recurrent RD with PVR. The purpose of this study was to identify the potential advantages of E-PPV in complex RD with PVR compared with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) alone.MethodsSingle-center, retrospective, observational, descriptive study. The medical records of 293 patients were reviewed. Patients who underwent PPV for complex rhegmatogenous RD and associated PVR between 2009 and 2017 were included. Patients with diabetic tractional RD, trauma, uveitis or detachment postendophthalmitis were excluded. After 2013, an endoscopic visualization system was used in a nonrandomized fashion at the surgeon’s discretion. Outcome measures (reattachment rate, number of surgeries, lens status, PVR stage, intraocular pressure, phthisis rate) were compared between the E-PPV and PPV-only groups with independent samples t-tests (continuous variables) and Fisher’s exact test (categorical variables), as well as time-adjusted analyses. Postoperative time to retinal redetachment was assessed with Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.ResultsOne hundred one eyes from 100 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean participant age was 63.3 years old (95% CI 60.4–66.1 years), without a significant difference between groups. E-PPV was performed in 36.6% (n = 37) of eyes, and 63.4% (n = 64) underwent PPV only. The mean follow-up was significantly longer in the PPV-only group (31.9 vs. 21.1 months; p = 0.021). Upon adjustment for follow-up duration, the mean number of surgeries was significantly lower in the PPV-only group (2.6 vs. 4.3 number of surgeries; p < 0.001) than in the E-PPV group. A significantly higher risk for redetachment was observed in the PPV-only group (HR [95% CI] 4.1 [1.4–11.8]) than in the E-PPV group (p = 0.037). The evolution to phthisis was 7% (n = 4) in the PPV-only group and 2.7% (n = 1) in the E-PPV group (p > 0.05).ConclusionsCompared to PPV alone, endoscopy-assisted vitrectomy seems to be advantageous in achieving better reattachment rates in complex RD with advanced PVR. Endoscopic visualization allows a thorough examination and extensive anterior PVR and vitreous base dissection.

Timely Use of Conventional Vitrectomy and Endoscope-Assisted Vitrectomy for Endophthalmitis Following Open Ocular Trauma: A Retrospective Study of 18 Patients.

BackgroundEndophthalmitis, or inflammation of the internal tissues of the eye, may follow trauma and results in loss of vision if not treated promptly. Vitrectomy is used to debride the inflamed vitreous. This retrospective study aimed to compare the outcome from conventional vitrectomy (CV) and endoscope-assisted vitrectomy (EAV) performed for endophthalmitis within five days and 10 days after open ocular trauma.Material/MethodsThe clinical data from 18 patients (18 eyes) with endophthalmitis caused by open ocular trauma were analyzed at a single center. CV or EAV was performed based on the degree of vision and the involvement of the vitreous cavity.ResultsOf the 18 patients with endophthalmitis, seven patients underwent EAV, and 11 patients underwent CV. The number of cases with preoperative corneal laceration, edema, bleeding, and formation of corneal nebular opacity was higher in the EAV group compared to the CV group. Four patients had retinal detachment, of which three patients were treated with EAV. Seventeen patients had their sight restored by a single vitrectomy procedure. In 10 cases, the culture of the vitreous fluid was positive for infection, and eight patients had Gram-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis infection. Follow-up showed that vitrectomy performed within five days (P=0.001) and 10 days (P=0.047) of open ocular trauma resulted in significant improvement of visual acuity.ConclusionsVitrectomy for endophthalmitis due to open ocular trauma performed within five days of injury restored visual acuity. EAV was shown to be an effective alternative to CV.

Endoscopy-Assisted Vitrectomy Outcomes During Silicone Oil Removal After Complex Retinal Detachment Repair

Purpose: This retrospective study recorded intraoperative findings during silicone oil removal and postoperative anatomical outcomes comparing endoscopy-assisted pars plana vitrectomy (E-PPV) vs pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) alone after proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR)-related retinal detachment (RD) repair. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included patients who underwent PPV for silicone oil removal after RD with PVR from July 2009 to January 2017. Patients with diabetic tractional RD, history of trauma, uveitis, or endophthalmitis were excluded. After 2013, an endoscopic visualization system (E2 MicroProbe; Endo Optiks) was used in a nonrandomized fashion. Data collection included reattachment rate, intraoperative endoscopic findings and phthisis rate. Results: Fifty-four eyes of 54 patients were included. The mean participant age was 58.4 ± 12.9 years and 36 (65.5%) participants were male. The mean (± SD) follow-up duration after oil removal was 24.3 ± 20.1 months. E-PPV combined with wide-angle visualization system was performed in 26 (48.1%) of the patients; the surgical management was modified after endoscopic examination in 17 (65.4%) of the cases. Reattachment rate in the E-PPV group was 96.2% compared with 76.0% in the PPV-alone group ( P = .04). Conclusions: E-PPV for silicone oil removal appears to be advantageous for prevention of RD recurrence, thus achieving better reattachment rates. A thorough examination is facilitated by endoscopic visualization and contributory factors for anterior PVR can be identified and treated.

Endoscopy-assisted vitrectomy in the anterior vitreous.

Endoscopy-assisted ocular surgery is a relatively old technique that is increasingly being recognized for its application in cases of vitreoretinal disease. This technique is especially useful when both the vitreous and retina are difficult to access because of media opacity, a small pupil, or a microcornea. In this context, the anterior vitreous is often difficult to dissect because of its complex pathological changes. This article reviews the common anatomical features and pathologies that are observed in the anterior vitreous, as well as the applications and indications of endoscopy-assisted vitrectomy in the anterior vitreous.

Clinical outcomes of endoscope-assisted vitrectomy for treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

SummaryWe evaluated the clinical outcomes for ophthalmic endoscope-assisted vitrectomy in consecutive patients with uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). The primary success rate was 98.4% (125/127) without performing a posterior drainage retinotomy or using perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCL) for subretinal fluid drainage.PurposeTo investigate the clinical outcomes of endoscope-assisted vitrectomy in patients with uncomplicated RRD.MethodsWe examined 127 eyes from consecutive patients who underwent repair of RRD by 23- or 25-gauge endoscope-assisted vitrectomy, with a minimum follow-up of 3 months. Eyes with the following criteria were excluded: Giant retinal tears, grade C proliferative vitreoretinopathy, dense vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment secondary to other ocular diseases, and prior retinal or vitreous surgery. All cases underwent subretinal fluid drainage, endolaser photocoagulation and fundus inspection were performed under ophthalmic endoscopic observation. Success rate, visual acuity, surgery time and complications were evaluated.ResultsPrimary and final success rate was 98.4% (125/127) and 100% (127/127), respectively, Surgery time was 59.6±26.3 minutes. The best-corrected visual acuity significantly improved from 20/100 to 20/20 (P<0.0001). There were 2 cases (1.6%) of creation of a peripheral drainage retinotomy and 4 cases (3.1%) of using PFCL to suppress movement of the detached retina, but there were no cases of creation of a posterior drainage retinotomy or using PFCL for subretinal fluid drainage. There was 1 case of presumed endophthalmitis after surgery. There were 12 hypotonous cases at postoperative day 1 and one of them needed additional scleral sutures at postoperative day 4 for prolonged hypotony.ConclusionThe present study demonstrated the efficacy of endoscope-assisted vitrectomy for patients with uncomplicated RRD. To perform endoscope-assisted vitrectomy safely, sufficient closure of sclerotomies is necessary at the end of surgery.

Combined vitrectomy and glaucoma drainage device implantation surgical approach for complex pediatric glaucomas

To evaluate efficacy of combined vitrectomy with posteriorly placed glaucoma drainage device (GDD) in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in children. The medical records of children who underwent vitrectomy with posteriorly placed GDD were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with a minimum of 6months' follow-up were included. The first eye operated on for each patient was analyzed. Success was defined as IOP of 5-20mm Hg and no additional IOP-lowering surgery or visually devastating complications. A total of 20 patients were included, with the following etiologies: primary infantile-onset glaucoma, 5 (25%); traumatic glaucoma, 3 (15%); Peters anomaly, 3 (15%); microphthalmia, 5 (25%); glaucoma following cataract surgery, 2 (10%); microspherophakia, 1 (5%); and retinopathy of prematurity, 1 (5%). Eyes with corneal opacification (8 [40%]) underwent endoscopic vitrectomy (5 [25%]), concurrent penetrating keratoplasty (3 [15%]) and/or keratoprosthesis surgery (1 [5%]). Mean follow-up was 1.9±1.1years (range, 6.5-49.2months). Vision remained stable or improved in 17 eyes (85%). Mean IOP decreased from 27.2±10.1mm Hg to 14.5±6.8mm Hg (P<0.0001) at last follow-up or at failure. Kaplan-Meier curves showed 12- and 24-month rate of IOP control of 69% and 62%, respectively. The number of glaucoma medications decreased from a mean of 2.3±1.4 to 1.3±1.2 (P<0.015) at last follow-up or at failure. Overall successrate was 65%. Complications included hypotony (3 [15%]), vitreous hemorrhage (1 [5%]), and retinal detachment (1 [5%]). Two eyes (10%) required surgery for hypotony; 4 eyes (20%) underwent additional glaucoma surgery. Combined surgical approach with vitrectomy and posteriorly placed GDD decreased IOP in complex pediatric glaucomas. Further, endoscope-assisted vitrectomy is useful in cases with corneal opacification. Complication rates of this combined procedure appear to be comparable to traditional anterior chamber approach.

Endoscope-assisted vitrectomy in the management of retinal detachment with corneal opacity

A 51-year-old male who had suffered from right eye rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy received surgical treatments which included the following procedures: lens extraction, scleral buckle, vitrectomy, membrane peeling, photocoagulation, and silicone oil injection. The presenting visual acuity of the right eye was light perception. Slit-lamp examination revealed corneal opacity without a visible fundus. B-scan ultrasonography revealed retinal detachment. Endoscope-assisted vitrectomy was then performed in December 2014. The procedure also included photocoagulation and silicone oil tamponade. Postoperative follow-up confirmed retinal attachment through B-scan ultrasonography. To assess the feasibility of a penetrating keratoplasty, an endoscopic evaluation was performed in May 2015. A temporal retinal break was noted, and photocoagulation was applied around the break as well as the peripheral retina. Endoscopy later confirmed the retinal attachment. From the present case, we concluded that endoscope-assisted vitrectomy could be an option for patients with corneal opacity indicated for vitreoretinal surgery. We report the first case of endoscope-assisted vitrectomy in the management of retinal detachment in Taiwan.

An endoscopic overview of the anterior vitreous base in retinal detachment and anterior proliferative vitreoretinopathy

Anterior proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is an important cause of persistent or recurrent retinal detachment (RD). Endoscopy provides 360° panoramic viewing of the vitreous cavity and high-magnification viewing of the anterior vitreous base (AVB). This study describes the 'in vivo' anatomy and pathoanatomy of the AVB using an ocular endoscope in RD and anterior PVR. An intraoperative analysis of over 2000 consecutive eyes undergoing vitrectomy for RD operated with endoscopy-assisted vitrectomy was performed. It was recorded in notes dictated during surgery and in standardized operative reports. Around 1500 surgical videotapes, with the exclusion of diabetic retinopathy and trauma, selected by reviewing the OR reports and notes were retrospectively reviewed. Seven endoscopic criteria associated with anterior PVR complicating RD are described: 'en bloc' stiff anterior vitreous retraction, ciliary detachment, seeding of the AVB by abundant pigmented and/or white granulations, anterior tissue displacement, stiff 'wrinkling' at the vitreoretinal juncture, persistent shallow ciliary/RD under perfluorocarbon liquids and traction-related retinal surface haemorrhages. Causes responsible for failure of conventional vitrectomy for RD are highlighted. Findings in case of hypotony and cyclitic membranes are described. Endoscopy is a significant adjunct to our understanding of the development of anterior loop traction by obviating the two constitutive parts of the AVB, anterior and posterior, their interconnections and their respective connections to the anterior segment and to the retina. It provides a unique evaluation and thorough eradication of the anterior vitreous cortex as a scaffold for anterior PVR. It might be an adjunct to the prevention of anterior PVR.

Endoscopy-assisted vitrectomy for treatment of severe endophthalmitis with retinal detachment

To decrease evisceration of eyes, endoscopy-assisted pars plana vitrectomy is a choice for patients with severe endophthalmitis accompanied with retinal detachment and corneal edema. To evaluate surgical outcomes using an intraocular videoendoscope for vitrectomy in patients with severe endophthalmitis with retinal detachment. From December 2006 to August 2009, the medical records of 21 patients undergoing endoscopy-assisted vitrectomy for endophthalmitis with retinal detachment were studied. Only patients with ≥18months follow-up were included. Intraocular infections were under control in 19 of the 21 patients. Postoperatively, the visual acuity of three of the patients ranged from 2/100 to 20/100 (14.3%), two of the patients left with finger counting (9.5%), eight had hand motion (38.1%), six had light perception (28.6%), and the other two had their eyes eviscerated (9.5%) because of recurrent and uncontrollable infection. In patients with severe endophthalmitis accompanied with retinal detachment and marked corneal opacity, it is appropriate to conduct endoscopy-assisted pars plana vitrectomy to decrease evisceration of eyes.

Endoscope-assisted vitrectomy for retinal detachment in an eye with microcornea

We report a case of an endoscope-assisted vitrectomy for the treatment of retinal detachment associated with microcornea in a normal size globe. A 26-year-old Japanese man was referred after complaining of visual acuity loss OD. Both eyes became aphakic because of surgery for congenital cataracts in infancy. The visual acuity was 0.02 OD. The corneal diameter was 7.5 × 7.0 mm and axial length was 23.89 mm. Retinal detachment was suspected, although the details were obscure because of nystagmus and small pupils. Endoscope-assisted, 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy and encircling buckling were performed, and reattachment of the retina was achieved. Retinal breaks were identified, and peripheral parts of the retina were observed by endoscopy. Endoscope-assisted vitrectomy may be advantageous for the management of detachment in an eye with microcornea.