Primary Vitrectomy Research Articles

Bacterial Contamination of the Vitreous Cavity Associated with Transconjunctival 25-Gauge Microincision Vitrectomy Surgery

To evaluate differences in the bacterial contamination rates of the vitreous cavity between patients undergoing transconjunctival 25-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) and conventional 20-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Prospective, comparative, consecutive, interventional case series. Eighty-one eyes of 81 patients who underwent primary vitrectomy and completed perioperative sample collection. Patients were randomly assigned to 25-gauge MIVS or 20-gauge PPV. Conjunctival swabs were obtained from each patient before and after preoperative administration of topical 0.5% moxifloxacin. Vitreous samples were collected at the beginning and end of surgery. All 4 consecutive specimens from each eye were cultured using direct culturing techniques under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of bacterial contamination of the vitreous cavity at the start and end of vitrectomy. The secondary measures were the incidence of bacterial contamination of the ocular surface and the disinfection rate with preoperative moxifloxacin. Of the 81 eyes (40 eyes in the 25-gauge MIVS group; 41 eyes in the 20-gauge PPV group), the incidences of positive bacterial isolation at the 4 time points of sample collection were 77.5%, 62.3%, 22.5%, and 0% in the former group and 82.9%, 63.4%, 2.4%, and 0% in the latter group. Although the rate of bacterial contamination of the ocular surface significantly (P<0.001) decreased after preoperative moxifloxacin administration in both groups, transconjunctival 25-gauge MIVS had a significantly (P = 0.007) higher incidence of vitreous contamination at the beginning of surgery compared with conventional 20-gauge PPV. The multivariate model showed that 25-gauge MIVS (odds ratio, 11.27; P = 0.027; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-96.79) was the factor prognostic of vitreous contamination at the beginning of surgery. Propionibacterium acnes was identified most often in the vitreous samples (80% of cases), which was consistent with the commensal bacteria isolated from the ocular surface. The higher incidence of bacterial contamination of the vitreous cavity at the beginning of 25-gauge MIVS suggests the increasing risk of direct inoculation of ocular surface flora into the vitreous cavity through the transconjunctival trocar-cannula system compared with conventional 20-gauge PPV. However, vitreous cavity contamination can be eliminated during vitrectomy in most cases. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Intravitreal bevacizumab injection for recurrent vitreous haemorrhage after diabetic vitrectomy

To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab in treating recurrent vitreous haemorrhage (VH) after diabetic vitrectomy. Consecutive patients with postoperative recurrent VH ≥ 2 weeks after primary diabetic vitrectomy were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab. Repeated injection was given after 2-3 weeks in case of no obvious blood reabsorption (study group). Consecutive patients with the same complication but without bevacizumab injection served as the control group. Vitreous surgeries in both groups were indicated if no clinical improvement was noted 10-12 weeks after the initial bleeding. Vitreous clear-up time (VCT), vitreous surgeries and rebleeding rates, and visual acuity changes were compared between both groups. The study group had 20 eyes (20 patients) and the control group had 18 eyes (18 patients). Postoperative VH occurred between 1 and 25 months and between 1 and 18 months, respectively. In the study group, VCT after the first recurrent VH was 6.5 ± 1.5 weeks with 2.2 ± 0.8 injections. Nine cases had ≥ one episode of VH, but no surgery was needed. In the control group, 13 eyes had spontaneous re-absorption (in 6.4 ± 1.3 weeks); five eyes underwent surgeries; three of the 13 eyes eventually had surgeries after further recurrent VH. The rate of vitreous surgery in the two groups was 0/20 and 8/18 (p = 0.01). The total number of rebleeding was 30 in the study group and 27 in the control group (p = 0.69). Intravitreal bevacizumab treatment may reduce the need of revitrectomy for recurrent vitreous haemorrhage after diabetic vitrectomy.

Acute Endophthalmitis After Cataract Surgery: 250 Consecutive Cases Treated at a Tertiary Referral Center in the Netherlands

To evaluate the clinical characteristics, bacterial culture, and visual outcome of patients with acute endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. Retrospective consecutive interventional case series. Clinical notes from patients treated for acute endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in a single center from 1996 to 2006 were reviewed. Patients with less than 1 month of follow-up and missing bacterial cultures were excluded. Vitreous biopsy or primary vitrectomy followed by intravitreal injection of vancomycin and ceftazidime (+/- prednisolone) was performed. Main outcome measures were bacterial culture and final visual acuity. Bacterial cultures (total 250 cases) showed bacterial growth in 166 cases (66.4%). From these 166 cultures, 89 (53.6%) revealed gram-positive coagulase-negative, 63 (38.0%) other gram-positive, 10 (6.0%) gram-negative, and 4 (2.4%) polymicrobial cultures. Vitreous biopsy with intravitreal antibiotics injection was performed in 225 (90.0%) of cases. Primary vitrectomy with intravitreal antibiotics was performed in 25 eyes (10.0%). Final visual acuity >/=0.5 was achieved in 129 (51.6%) of all cases, 54 (60.7%) of the 89 gram-positive coagulase-negative cultures, 20 (31.7%) of the 63 other gram-positive cultures, 5 (50.0%) of the 10 gram-negative cultures, and 9 (45.0%) of the 20 Staphylococcus aureus cultures. There was no additional effect for treatment by primary vitrectomy or intravitreal prednisolone. Treatment outcome after endophthalmitis is highly dependent on the causative organism. Treatment outcomes for gram-negative bacteria and S. aureus may be better than previously reported. Prompt treatment of endophthalmitis remains essential and the role of complete primary vitrectomy remains subject to debate.

Scleral Buckling and Primary Vitrectomy in Simple Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Purpose: To compare the outcomes of scleral buckling (SB) and primary pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for treatment of simple rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD). Methods: One hundred and fifteen Eyes undergoing SB or PPV for the treatment of simple rhegmatogenous RD were prospectively identified and followed up at least six months. Anatomic results, functional outcomes and complications were compared between eyes treated with SB and eyes treated with PPV. Results: We detected no significant differences in overall success rates or final vision quality between the two treatment groups. However, the final vision quality of pseudophakic patients treated with PPV was significantly better than the final vision quality of pseudophakic patients treated with SB. Two treatment goups experienced similar rates of intraocular pressure elevation and proliferative vitreoretinopathy development. In phakic patients, the rates of cataract progression were higher in patients treated with PPV than in patients treated with SB. Conclusions: PPV can be an effective method for the treatment of simple rhegmatogenous RD, and maybe considered as a viable alternative to SB for simple cases. However, in phakic patients treated with PPV, simultaneous or follow-up cataract surgery should be considered as adjuvant treatments.

Einfluss des Operateurs auf die Operationsergebnisse bei rhegmatogener Ablatio retinae im Rahmen der „Scleral Buckling versus Primary Vitrectomy in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Study”

The effect of the surgeon on the outcome of surgical treatment for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) has previously been analysed in a few studies only. In the prospective multicentre SPR study, scleral buckling (SBS) and primary vitrectomy (PV) were compared in RRD with medium complexity in a randomised fashion. In this study, we examined the surgeon factor on the outcome of RRD surgery within the SPR study. An analysis of the surgeon as a factor on the functional outcome (logMAR visual acuity), primary anatomic success (retinal reattachment central to the aequator without any additional retina-affecting surgery including laser, cryo and macular pucker surgery) and final anatomic success (retinal reattachment one year postoperatively) was carried out. Overall, 416 phakic patients (209 SBS, 207 PV) and 265 pseudophakic patients (133 SB, 132 PV) were recruited by 45 surgeons in 25 centres. In the phakic group, the mean functional outcome of individual surgeons was between 0.2 and 0.74 (mean, 0.41, SD 0.41). This difference reached statistical significance (p = 0.0398). In the pseudophakic subgroup, the mean functional outcome was between 0.09 and 0.64 (mean, 0.42, SD 0.49) without reaching a statistical significance (p = 0.0715). Primary success per surgeon varied between 41.67 % and 90.00 % (mean, 63.16 %) in the phakic subgroup and 33.33- 80.95 % (mean, 61.75 %) in the pseudophakic subgroup. Final anatomic success was achieved in 92.86 - 100.00 % (mean, 97.96 %) in the phakic subgroup and 80.00 - 100.00 % (mean, 95.44 %) in the pseudophakic subgroup. There was no statistically significant correlation between surgeon and anatomic outcomes. In the phakic subgroup, a statistically significant correlation between surgeon and functional success could be demonstrated for RRD with medium complexity. This correlation was not interrelated to the surgical method. Functional outcome in pseudophakic patients and anatomic outcomes in both subgroups of phakic and pseudophakic patients showed no statistically significant correlation between surgeon and anatomic success.

Scleral buckling versus primary vitrectomy in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment study (SPR Study): Multiple-event analysis of risk factors for reoperations. SPR Study report no. 4

To identify risk factors that may lead to reoperations following primary vitrectomy (PV) and scleral buckling surgery (SB) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Analysis of the association between distinct parameters and the necessity for reoperations in the 'Scleral buckling versus primary vitrectomy in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment study' (SPR Study) using an Andersen-Gill-mean intensity model. The risk for recurrent reoperations is significantly reduced by primary vitrectomy (PV) compared to scleral buckling (SB) in pseudophakic eyes (p = 0.0009) and increased after PV compared to SB in phakic eyes (p < 0.0001). Additional significant risk factors were in the pseudophakic group preoperative deterioration of visual acuity (p = 0.0226), YAG capsulotomy (p = 0.0043), large breaks (p = 0.0290), number of affected quadrants (p = 0.0387), retinal incarceration during surgery (p = 0.0115), number of breaks (p < 0.0001) and symptomatic visual field defect (p = 0.0463). In the phakic group, associated risk factors were low intraocular pressure (p = 0.0013) and persistent intraoperative detachment at the buckle (p = 0.0184). Reoperations are used as an indicator for the quality and efficacy of surgical techniques. Using a refined multivariate survival model, distinct factors were identified and associated with one or more reoperations after PV or SB in RRD surgery. This information should be useful in the decision process regarding the surgical approach.

Primary vitrectomy in retinal detachment: is scleral buckling still indicated?

Abstract Purpose The surgical management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment has evolved due to introduction of primary pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). The choice of primary vitrectomy has grown over recent years even for managment of simple retinal detachment. Methods Review of reports on primary vitrectomy treatment for rhegmatogenous uncomplicated retinal detachment. Evaluation of optimal indications of vitreectomy for specific types of retinal detachments. Results Comparaison of primary vitrectomy with scleral buckling had failed to demonstrate advantage of this method regarding anatomical and functional results. Vitrectomy avoids some of the complications associated with scleral buckling, such as diplopia, choroidal detachment, perforation of the sclera, abnormalities in the eyelid, but it carries higher risks of several other complications,including cataract formation in phakic eyes, glaucoma and other problems with tamponade, and new retinal breaks. Data from case series and randomized studies suggest that primary detachments in phakic eyes may be treated successfully with scleral buckling or vitrectomy, whereas vitrectomy appears to be preferable for corresponding detachments in pseudophakic eyes. Conclusion The choice of primary PPV in new uncomplicated retinal detachment remains to the surgeon's discretion and skills due to lack of controlled randomized trials covering the large spectrum of the retinal detachment pathology.

25-Gauge Sutureless Vitrectomy with Oblique Sclerotomies for the Management of Retinal Detachment in Pseudophakic and Phakic Eyes

To evaluate the anatomic and functional outcomes of 25-gauge sutureless vitrectomy in primary treatment of noncomplex retinal detachments (RD) in pseudophakic and phakic eyes. In this interventional clinical case series, 23 pseudophakic and 13 phakic eyes with total RDs with proliferative vitreoretinopathy grade A/B underwent primary 25-gauge sutureless vitrectomy with oblique sclerotomies and gas endotamponade. Eyes with minimum follow-up of 6 months were evaluated. Main outcome measures were single surgery and final reattachment rates, complications, and changes in visual acuity (VA). Mean duration of visual loss was 14.65+/-12.57 and 22.46+/-18.95 days in pseudophakic and phakic eyes, respectively. Eighteen (78.26%) pseudophakic eyes and 12 (92.30%) phakic eyes had macular detachment. In all eyes, 25-gauge sutureless vitrectomy was completed without complication. Mean follow-up period was 11.00+/-6.63 months. Single surgery and final retinal attachment rates were 91.30% and 95.65% in pseudophakic eyes and 61.53% and 84.61% in phakic eyes, respectively (p=0.073, p=0.539). In both groups, mean VA increased significantly at postoperative month 1 (p<0.05) and at the last visit (p<0.001). Transient hypotony was detected in 2 pseudophakic and 3 phakic eyes with spontaneous resolution. Two (15.38%) phakic eyes had cataractous changes. In this study, 25-gauge sutureless vitrectomy resulted in higher single surgery and final anatomic success rates in primary treatment of noncomplex RDs in pseudophakic versus phakic eyes, with commensurate increase in VA.

BEVACIZUMAB PRETREATMENT IN VITRECTOMY WITH SILICONE OIL FOR SEVERE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

To evaluate the effects of intravitreal bevacizumab pretreatment in vitrectomy with silicone oil infusion for severe diabetic retinopathy. Forty-one eyes (39 patients) that underwent primary vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade for severe diabetic retinopathy were enrolled in this prospective, comparative case-control clinical study. Cases were alternately divided into the following Group 1, intravitreal bevacizumab (1.25 mg) injection 1 week before surgery; or Group 2, no bevacizumab injection. Cases were followed-up for at least 6 months. Postinjection retinal changes, intra- and postoperative findings, and outcomes were compared between groups. Bevacizumab injections induced regression of neovascularization after 1 week. One case developed increased retinal detachment. In Group 1, there were significantly more cases of subretinal bleeding (P < 0.01). The severity of intraoperative and postoperative bleeding was significantly lower in Group 1. The blood reabsorption time was 11.1 +/- 6.3 days in Group 1 and 34.8 +/- 12.0 days in Group 2 (P < 0.01). One case in Group 1 and 2 cases in Group 2 had ultimate retinal detachment. Multiple regression analyses indicated bevacizumab significantly reduced intra- and postoperative bleeding. Bevacizumab may reduce intra- and postoperative hemorrhage in diabetic vitrectomy with silicone oil infusion. Increased subretinal bleeding are potential complications.

25-GAUGE SUTURELESS VITRECTOMY VERSUS 20-GAUGE VITRECTOMY FOR THE REPAIR OF PRIMARY RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT

To compare the anatomic and visual results and complications of 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy versus conventional 20-gauge vitrectomy for the management of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. A retrospective comparative analysis of 125 consecutive eyes from 125 patients with a minimum of 3 months follow-up was performed. All patients underwent primary vitrectomy with complete fluid air exchange, gas tamponade, and laser retinopexy. Excluded were eyes with prior retinal or vitreous surgery, and patients with inadequate follow-up. Sixty-four patients underwent 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy and 61 patients underwent 20-gauge pars plana vitrectomy from September 2004 to April 2007. Primary endpoints included one surgery retinal reattachment success rate, visual outcomes, postoperative intraocular pressures and complications as determined by standard clinical evaluation. Baseline demographic and preoperative ocular characteristics showed no statistically significant difference between the two cohorts. The mean follow-up interval was 305.4 days for the 25-gauge group and 452.4 days for the 20-gauge group. The single operation success rate with one procedure was 58/64 (90.6%) for 25-gauge cases and 56/61 (91.8%) for 20-gauge cases, Fisher Exact Test (P = 0.801). All cases were attached at final follow-up and the anatomic success rate was 100% for each of the two cohorts. Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/125 and 20/169 for 25-gauge and 20-gauge cases, respectively (P > 0.5). The final follow-up mean BCVA was 20/34 and 20/36 for the 25-gauge and 20-gauge groups, respectively (P > 0.6). In the 25-gauge group two cases were complicated by hypotony that resolved uneventfully and one case developed postoperative choroidal and vitreous hemorrhage. In the 20-gauge group there was one case of sterile endophthalmitis and one case of vitreous hemorrhage. There was no significant difference between 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy and 20-gauge vitrectomy for the repair of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments.

Microincision Vitrectomy Surgery and Intravitreal Bevacizumab as a Surgical Adjunct to Treat Diabetic Traction Retinal Detachment

To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of microincision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) combined with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) as a surgical adjunct for treating traction retinal detachment (TRD) secondary to severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Retrospective, comparative, consecutive, interventional case series. Seventy-one eyes of 59 consecutive patients who underwent primary vitrectomy for diabetic TRD and were followed up for more than 6 months after surgery. Eyes that received IVB (1 mg) as a preoperative adjunct followed by MIVS (IVB/MIVS group) from November 2005 through December 2007 were compared with eyes that underwent conventional 20-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (20-g PPV group) from September 2003 through October 2005. Primary and ultimate anatomic success, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and final visual success with at least 6 months of follow-up. This series included 38 eyes (33 patients) in the IVB/MIVS group and 33 eyes (26 patients) in the 20-g PPV group. The primary and ultimate anatomic success rates (95% vs. 91% and 100% in both groups, respectively) and the mean visual acuity changes did not differ significantly between groups; the surgical time and intraoperative bleeding in the IVB/MIVS group decreased significantly compared with the 20-g PPV group (P<0.001). The rate of visual improvement of 3 lines or more at the 6-month follow-up was 68% in the IVB/MIVS group and 49% in the 20-g PPV group, respectively. Progression of the preexisting TRD after IVB occurred in 7 eyes (18%). Absence of previous laser photocoagulation (P = 0.025) and the presence of a ring-shaped fibrovascular membrane (P = 0.013) were relevant findings in eyes with these IVB-induced complications. Intravitreal bevacizumab plus MIVS offers comparable anatomic success compared with conventional 20-gauge PPV in patients with TRD resulting from severe PDR. This technique shortens the surgical time with fewer intraoperative complications and favorable visual recovery. However, caution should be taken because of rapid progression of the preexisting TRD after IVB in some patients. The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Comparison Between 20-Gauge and 23-Gauge Vitrectomy System in Primary Vitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Purpose: The efficacy of 20-gauge and 23-gauge vitrectomy system was investigated in primary vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Methods: Eyes that underwent primary vitrectomy without scleral buckling for the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were followed up at least 6 months and were reviewed retrospectively. Anatomic results, functional outcomes, operation time and complications were compared between 20-gauge and 23-gauge groups. Results: Among 59 eyes of 59 patients, the 20-gauge group had 29 eyes of 29 patients and 23-gauge group had 30 eyes of 30 patients. Anatomic success after a single operation was obtained in 23 eyes (79.3%) of the 20-gauge group and 28 eyes (93.3%) of the 23-gauge group. Recurrence occurred in 6 eyes (20.7%) in the 20-gauge and in 2 eyes (6.6%) in the 23-gauge group. Retinal reattachment in all of these eyes was obtained through reoperation. Visual acuity improved logMAR 0.2 or more in 19 eyes (65.5%) of the 20-gauge group and 20 eyes (66.7%) of the 23 gauge group (p=0.153, 0.215). The average operation time of the 23-gauge group was 80.2 minutes, which was significantly shorter than the 94.8 minutes of the 20-gauge group (p=0.008). Transient ocular hypertension and progression of lens opacity were the most common complications in the both groups. Conclusions: Twenty-three-gauge transconjuctival sutureless vitrectomy achieved outcomes comparable with 20-gauge vitrectomy, with significantly shorter operation time in repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. It is considered as a viable alternative to 20-gauge vitrectomy in selected cases.

Prognostic Factors after Primary Vitrectomy and Perfluorocarbon Liquids for Bullous Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

To identify prognostic factors for visual acuity and anatomic outcomes associated with bullous rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) management using primary pars plana vitrectomy, intraoperative perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCLs), and internal gas tamponade. The authors studied a consecutive series of 115 eyes (115 patients) with a bullous RRD not complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) associated with large, multiple, and/or posterior breaks in 58 (50.4%) eyes. All eyes underwent vitrectomy, injection of PFCL, and gas tamponade as the primary procedure. Encircling scleral bands were placed in all cases. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 60 months (mean 16.6+/-14.1 months). Retinal reattachment was achieved in 92.2% of eyes (106/115) with one operation and in all eyes after a second procedure. PVR was observed in 1 (0.87%) eye and preretinal membranes in 3 (2.6%) eyes. Progression of pre-existing cataract and development of new cataract occurred in 45 (58.4%) of the 77 phakic eyes. The presence of inferior retinal breaks was significantly associated with redetachment after the first procedure (p=0.0156). On univariate analysis, better preoperative visual acuity (p<0.001), macular sparing retinal detachment (p<0.001), and fewer quadrants involved by the detachment (p=0.0015) were significant positive prognostic factors for final visual acuity. Logistic regression analysis highlighted that macular sparing retinal detachment and absence of trauma were associated with better final visual acuity. Redetachment was associated with the presence of inferior retinal breaks. Visual recovery was dependent on preoperative visual acuity, macular involvement, extent of retinal detachment, and trauma.

Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection as Preoperative Adjuvant of Vitrectomy for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

Purpose: The effect of preoperative intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) injection was investigated in primary vitrectomy for severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Methods: Eyes that underwent vitectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy were followed up at least 6 months and were reviewed retrospectively. The authors reviewed functional outcomes, complications, and operation time between preoperative bevacizumab injection (group I) and non-injection groups(group II). Results: Among 93 eyes of 87 patients, the injection group consisted of 44 eyes of 41 patients and the non-injection gauge group consisted of 49 eyes of 46 patients. The mean interval between injection and vitrectomy was 5.8 days. Final visual acuity significantly improved as compared to preoperative visual acuity, and group I showed better visual acuity than group II (p=0.008). Visual acuity improved logMAR 0.2 or more in 36 eyes in group I and 43 eyes in group II (p=0.167). The average duration of postoperative vitreous hemorrhage was 1.02 days in group I, and 4.02 days in group II (p=0.2.08). Recurrence of vitreous hemorrhage was not observed in group I or in 2 eyes of group II (p=0.274). Epiretinal membrane occurred in 2 eyes of group I, and in 9 eyes of group II (p=0.031). Only a single eye in group I had neovascular glaucoma after vitrectomy (p=0.527). The operation time of group I was 64.8 minutes, which was significantly shorter than 78.1 minutes of group II (p=0.018). Conclusions: Intravitreal bevacizumab injection before vitrectomy in proliferative diabetic retinopathy facilitated removal of the fibrovascular membrane, and leads to less postoperative complications and better functional outcomes. Intravitreal bevacizumab injection before vitrectomy can be considered as an effective preoperative adjuvant.

Peeling of internal limiting membrane during vitrectomy for complicated retinal detachment prevents epimacular membrane formation

To investigate the clinical benefit of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling at the macula for the prevention of epimacular membrane formation following vitreous surgery using silicone oil for the treatment of complicated retinal detachment. This was a non-randomized, retrospective, interventional study of a case series. Patient charts were reviewed retrospectively for 20 consecutively recruited patients who underwent successful primary vitrectomy with ILM peeling at the macula using silicone oil (group 1) and 22 consecutively recruited patients who underwent successful primary vitrectomy using silicone oil without ILM peeling at the macula for complicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (group 2). The main outcome measures were distant visual acuity and epimacular membrane formation. The data were analyzed and compared using Fisher's Exact test, Pearson Chi-square test, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and a repeated ANOVA. The mean age of patients was 52.7 +/- 12.6 years in group 1 and 53.2 +/- 13.3 years in group 2 (p = 0.89). The mean follow-up time was 24.6 +/- 7.6 weeks in group 1 and 34.1 +/- 12.6 weeks in group 2 (p = 0.01). Preoperatively, ten eyes in group 1 and 10 eyes in group 2 were pseudophakic; the macula was detached in all cases. Silicone oil had been removed from all eyes of both groups at least 3 months before the final examination. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to sex (p = 0.44), mean duration of retinal detachment (p = 0.12), mean preoperative visual acuity (logMAR), mean number of retinal breaks (p = 0.43), and grade of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (p = 0.35). The final visual acuity (logMAR) was 0.60 +/- 0.30 in group 1 and 0.72 +/- 0.35 in group 2 (p = 0.49). Four eyes in group 1 and two eyes in group 2 underwent cataract surgery during silicone oil removal. Epimacular membrane formation was observed in two eyes before silicone oil removal and in four eyes within 8 weeks after silicone oil removal in group 2. No epimacular membrane formation was seen in group 1 (p = 0.02). ILM peeling at the macula during vitreous surgery with silicone oil for the treatment of complicated retinal detachment may prevent epimacular membrane formation without negatively affecting distant visual acuity.

The learning curve for primary vitrectomy without scleral buckling for pseudophakic retinal detachment

To assess the functional and anatomical outcome of primary vitrectomy without scleral buckling for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in pseudophakic patients and to present the learning curve for this surgery in less experienced surgeons. We reviewed the charts of pseudophakic patients treated with primary vitrectomy without scleral buckling for a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with PVR<C in two academic centres by four surgeons (two more experienced and two less experienced surgeons) for 1 year. The primary endpoint was the reattachment rate with a single procedure by less experienced and more experienced surgeons. Then, to assess the learning curve of this treatment, we compared the results obtained in consecutive pseudophakic patients by less experienced surgeons at the beginning and after a 2-year training period. First, 133 patient charts with a minimum follow-up of 6 months were included. Retinal reattachment was achieved with a single surgery in 75.2% for all surgeons. This rate was 80.9% for more experienced surgeons compared to 70% for less experienced surgeons (p = 0.37). In another series of 239 patients operated on by less experienced surgeons, the success rate obtained at the beginning of the training period for less experienced surgeons significantly increased after 2 years (from 66.7% to 80%, p < 0.049). Primary vitrectomy without scleral buckling is an effective procedure to treat pseudophakic retinal detachment. Less experienced surgeons need sufficient time to achieve acceptable success rates, reflecting the learning curve for this procedure.

Vitrectomy cryo gas for the treatment of pseudophakic retinal detachment

Abstract Purpose The management of pseudophakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (PsRD) has represented a challenge for vitreoretinal surgeons for many years. Different surgical techniques have been used to manage PsRD including pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckling (SB) and primary pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with or without SB. Recent advances in the vitrectomy technique and instrumentation have contributed to the expanding role of PPV as a first‐line surgical treatment in cases of PsRD. Methods A potential advantage of PPV is removal of posterior capsular and vitreous opacities for better visualisation of the peripheral retina and the use of wide‐angle viewing systems and microscopic inspection of the fundus periphery with internal illumination and scleral identation during PPV. This allows for an accurate diagnosis of retinal breaks, their prompt treatment and thus high initial anatomical success. Results A meta‐analysis of published studies suggested that PPV with or without SB is more likely to achieve favorable anatomical and visual outcomes than conventional scleral buckling alone in uncomplicated PsRD. Recently published prospective or randomized clinical trials also found that primary PPV alone is at least as effective as scleral buckling for the treatment of PsRD. The Scleral Buckling versus Primary Vitrectomy in Rhematogenous Retinal Detachment study, found no difference in visual acuity between PPV and SB alone in pseudophakic eyes, but anatomic outcomes were better in the PPV group. Conclusion Primary vitrectomy without scleral buckling provides a high anatomic success rate in eyes with PsRD and is associated with few complications.

PRIMARY 23-GAUGE TRANSCONJUNCTIVAL SUTURELESS VITRECTOMY FOR RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT

To describe the results of primary 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). In a prospective case series, 24 eyes of 24 consecutive patients with RRD underwent primary 23-gauge transconjunctival pars plana vitrectomy with intraocular gas tamponade. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 6 months to 16 months. Fifteen eyes (62.5%) had multiple breaks. Seven eyes (29.2%) had inferior breaks. Other complications included giant tear in one eye, peripheral choroidal detachment in one eye, and concomitant macular holes in two eyes. The primary anatomical success rate was 91.7%. The mean postoperative visual acuity at postoperative month 3 improved from 20/41 to 20/25 (P = 0.111) and from 20/735 to 20/56 (P < 0.0001) in macula-on and macula-off cases, respectively. One patient (4.2%) had hypotony on postoperative day 1. No patients developed choroidal detachments. No sutures were used in any of the sclerotomy sites. Of the patients, 87.5% reported no or mild foreign body sensation, whereas 79.1% reported no or mild pain on the first postoperative day. Twenty-three-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy appears to be a feasible option in treating RRD in selected cases, with the potential benefit of reducing postoperative ocular irritation.

PRIMARY 25-GAUGE SUTURELESS VITRECTOMY WITH OBLIQUE SCLEROTOMIES IN PSEUDOPHAKIC RETINAL DETACHMENT

To evaluate the anatomic and functional outcomes of 25-gauge sutureless vitrectomy in primary treatment of noncomplex pseudophakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRD). Prospective interventional institutional case series. Twenty-two eyes with pseudophakic RRD with proliferative vitreoretinopathy grade A or B underwent primary 25-gauge vitrectomy with oblique sclerotomies and gas endotamponade. Eyes with minimum follow-up of 6 months were evaluated. Main outcome measures were reattachment rate with single surgery, reoperation, complication rates, and changes in visual acuity (VA). Mean duration of visual loss was 14.68 +/- 12.87 days. Seventeen (77.27%) eyes had macular detachment. In all eyes 25-gauge sutureless vitrectomy was completed without complications. The mean follow-up period was 10.40 +/- 5.77 months. Retinal attachment was achieved in 21 (95.45%) eyes with single surgery and in all (100%) eyes with second vitrectomy. Mean preoperative VA of 1.61 +/- 1.18 improved to 0.50 +/- 0.53 at the last visit (P < 0.001). Transient hypotony was detected in 2 (9.09%) eyes with spontaneous resolution. No other postoperative complication was observed. Twenty-five-gauge sutureless vitrectomy with oblique sclerotomies in primary treatment of noncomplex pseudophakic RRDs resulted in reattachment in 95.45% with single surgery, and in 100% with reoperation in one eye, accompanied by an increase in visual acuity in 86% of eyes.

Primary vitrectomy with Densiron-68 for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

To report a retrospective non-comparative interventional study on the effectiveness and ocular tolerance of a heavy silicone oil tamponade (HSO, Densiron-68) for primary inferior rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Forty-one eyes of 41 consecutive patients were recruited between January 2004 and August 2006. Primary vitrectomy with Densiron-68, a heavy silicone oil, was used in all cases. Inclusion criteria were primary RRD with at least one retinal break between 4 and 8 clock hours. The study protocol consisted of a minimum of eight clinic visits: baseline, surgery, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after the initial surgery; removal of oil and 1 week, 1 month and 3 months postoperatively. The primary endpoint was anatomical re-attachment of the retina. Cases were judged successful when there was reattachment of the retina in the absence of any tamponade agent. The secondary endpoint was to record the visual function and any complications arising from the surgery. Out of 41 patients initially included in the study, 33 completed all follow-up visits. Anatomical success was achieved in 91% of cases (30 out of 33) with one retinal operation, and rose to 94% (31 out of 33) with additional surgery. Mean visual acuity improved from logMAR 1.19 (SD 0.9) to 0.5 (SD 0.51, p = 0.001). No significant ocular hypertension, clinically significant emulsification of the tamponade or inflammation developed during follow-up. With Densiron-68, high anatomical and functional success rates can be achieved with primary vitrectomy for RRD and predominantly inferior pathology.