Vein Stripping Research Articles

A novel device for testing the mechanical behavior of metal electrodeposits during cathode stripping

The effect of the morphology and the crystallographic texture on the mechanical behavior of zinc electrodeposits is described. The mechanical behavior was assessed with a customized bending device and correlated to the main features of the deposit. The methodology proposed in this paper allows a better assessment of the effect of impurities (organics/inorganics) or additives on the quality of metal deposits, thereby assisting industry to optimize conditions and increase productivity. Bending tests carried out up to a bending angle of 50° revealed that the organic contaminants affect the mechanical properties of the zinc deposit differently. These properties were found to be strongly correlated to the electrodeposit's features. Highly porous deposits showed low ductility, which in turn caused the fracture of the sample at small bending angles, thus impeding effective stripping. The results obtained from the bending tests allowed a semi-quantitative prediction for the behavior of different zinc deposits during the stripping operation.

To evaluate lower extremity ulcer cases in respect of their aetiological basis

Background: Lower extremity ulcer is most common in our population due to their chronicity. Lower extremities are exposed to injury and having a circulation strained by upright posture. This has reason for researchers and surgeon who have been concerned with the reasons for their common occurrence and difficulty in their cure. Researcher interested to study the lower extremity ulcer cases in respect of their aetiological basis.Methods: 100 patients of lower extremity ulcer with various types were admitted in surgical wards of Mallareddy Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad during study period. The cases were examined in detail and investigated thoroughly. If there is clinically doubtful case, the diagnosis was made only after histopathological examination.Results: Most common type of ulcer was found in the present was venous 25 (25%) cases, contributed by male (21) and female (04) followed by diabetic 22 (22%) and Traumatic 18 (18%). Most of cases belongs to the age group 41-60 years (45) and male (37 cases). High saphenous vein ligation with stripping of veins (21.4%) and conservative (21.4%) treatment were common surgical procedures used for the treatment of Venous ulcer.Conclusions: In the present, Venous ulcers are the most common of all leg ulcers with high morbidity. The surgical procedures are directed at prevention of venous reflux at various levels.

Effect of organic impurities on the morphology and crystallographic texture of zinc electrodeposits

This work describes the effect of some organic impurities on the quality of zinc deposits and on the efficiency of the electrowinning process. The presence of some organics (i.e., flotation collectors, flocculant and lubricating oil) in the sulfate electrolyte was shown to significantly decrease current efficiency, thereby increasing energy consumption. Microscopic and texture analyses revealed that the individual addition of these organics to the electrolyte leads to the formation of pores on the deposits, variations in their grain size, and orientation changes resulting in crystallographic randomization with a trend to reorient the crystals from a “perpendicular to the plane” to an “in plane” random distribution. The Zn electrodeposit's features are expected to affect mechanical properties and, in turn, the effectiveness of the stripping operation.

Causes and Treatment of Varicose Recurrence in the Popliteal Region

Background: In a previous study of 1,081 limbs affected with varicose recurrence (VR) at the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) and at the sapheno-popliteal junction (SPJ), the anatomical causes were investigated. VR appeared to be due to inadequate diagnosis and surgery; neoangiogenesis appeared to play a minimal role. The so-called cavernoma was secondary to reflux and consisted with a complex collateral circulation (CC). Only 52 of 1,081 (4.8%) studied limbs developed a VR at the SPJ, but the anatomical findings were poorly described. The aims of this study were: 1) to distinguish between VR at the SPJ and the ones caused by different sources of reflux, 2) the reliability of the preoperative DUS examination, and 3) the efficacy and safety of the treatment. Methods: DUS examinations, surgery and sclerotherapy were performed by one single group of physicians. Nineteen of 207 (9.1%) limbs affected with VR at the popliteal region were studied and treated. Most of the previous interventions performed in different vascular units (only one in our center) were high or low interruption +/- stripping of the small saphenous vein (17/19, 89.4%). VRs > 3 mm were treated by surgical high ligation and intraoperative sclerotherapy in 13/19 (68.4%) and short invagination stripping in 1/19 (5.2%); 4/19 (21.0%) with VR 3 mm) at the PR. Sclerotherapy gave satisfactory results in the treatment of the smallest VR (< 3 mm). J Curr Surg. 2017;7(3):27-34 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jcs325w

Asymptomatic Isolated Calf Deep Vein Thrombosis: Does It Worsen after Varicose Vein Surgery?

In our varicose vein center, on a trial basis, among the patients with asymptomatic calf deep vein thrombosis (CDVT) we carefully selected the patients for varicose vein surgery using the requirements as follows; 1) the patients had varicose veins with incompetent saphenous veins, 2) sequential examination including DUS confirmed stability and clinical insignificance of asymptomatic CDVT, 3) the patients do not have any risk factors for DVT such as a coagulation profile disorder (antithrombin deficiency, protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency, or antiphospholipid syndrome) or malignancies, 4) surgery is possible under local anesthesia alone, and 5) the patients can understand the concept of asymptomatic CDVT and undergo the surgery on their own will and informed consent. The patients who fulfilled these conditions underwent the varicose vein surgery. Twenty-eight patients with 30 limbs with varicose veins had asymptomatic CDVT, found by preoperative duplex ultrasonography (DUS). Among CDVT, 91% of CDVT existed in the soleal veins. After the diagnosis of the asymptomatic CDVT, serial DUS was performed and showed no changes in the status of the thrombus. Then varicose vein surgery (high ligation of the saphenous junctions either with or without stripping of the saphenous veins) was performed. After the surgery, the CDVT was re-evaluated by DUS. In 27 limbs, CDVT did not show any changes in the status of the thrombus, and in 3 limbs the CDVT was partially resolved. These data suggest that, at least, as far as the patients fulfilled these conditions, varicose vein surgery did not worsen the asymptomatic CDVT. (This is a translation of Jpn J Phlebol 2016; 27: 405–412.)

Endovenous Laser Ablation of Varicose Veins Preserves Biological Properties of Vascular Endothelium and Modulates Proinflammatory Agent Profile More Favorably Than Classic Vein Stripping.

Here we compared effect of serum from varicose patients undergoing endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and classic vein stripping (CVS) on biological properties of endothelial cells and on the local and systemic profiles of proinflammatory agents. Results showed that serum from EVLA patients improved proliferation and reduced senescence and oxidative stress in the endothelial cells, as compared with the serum from CVS patients. These effects were related to a suppressed activity of TGF-β1, the level of which in the serum from the EVLA patients was decreased. Medium generated by the cells subjected to EVLA serum contained decreased amounts of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin and increased amount of uPA, whereas the serum itself contained decreased concentrations of ICAM-1, E-selectin, and P-selectin and increased concentrations of uPA, PAI-1, and TFPI. Both EVLA and CVS resulted in diversified patients' reaction with respect to a direction of postprocedure changes in proinflammatory factors' serum level. Analysis of proportions showed that the groups differed remarkably in case of ICAM-1 and ET-1, the level of which declined in a higher fraction of patients treated endovenously. Our findings indicate that EVLA preserves better than CVS the functionality of vascular endothelium and modulates better both local and systemic profile of proinflammatory mediators.

Subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery in treating varicose ulcer after great saphenous vein stripping

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery in treating varicose ulcer after great saphenous vein stripping. Methods Between July 2008 and July 2013, 152 limbs of venous ulceration after great saphenous vein stripping were divided into two groups(conservative therapy and subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery therapy) and followed up at least for 2 years, respectively compared symptoms and signs improvement, ulcer healing time, ulcer healing and ulcer recurrence rate after healing for 6, 12, 24 months. Results No patient underwent the surgery occured pulmonary embolism or death, 2 limbs appeared hematoma. Conservative and subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery group′s symptoms and signs improvement rates were 81.9%(59/72) and 86.3%(69/80)(not significant, P=0.528), while the ulcer healing time, ulcer healing and ulcer recurrence rate respectively were 65.3%(47/72) and 78.8%(63/80), (73±15.7) d and (41±12.6) d, 34.0%(16/47) and 14.3%(9/63) (significantly different, P<0.05). According to the three time-points′ (6, 12, 24 months) follow-up, the non-recurrence rate were 89.4%(42/47) and 96.8%(61/63), P=0.135; 72.3%(34/47) and 92.1%(58/63), P=0.006; 66.0%(31/47) and 85.7%(54/63), P=0.014. Conclusions Subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery is a reliable, safe and minimally invasive surgery, and has a long-term effect in treating varicose ulcer after great saphenous vein stripping. Key words: Venous insufficiency; Surgical procedures, minimally invasive; Varicose ulcer

Radiofrecuencia en el tratamiento de las varices de los miembros inferiores. Estudio prospectivo en 176 pacientes en Bogotá

IntroductionChronic lower extremity venous insufficiency is fairly common, and varicose veins are main manifestation of this condition. The “classic” surgical treatment by stripping of saphenous veins leads to morbidity, disability, and recurrence rate. The use of endovascular methods is seen as an effective and safe alternative to conventional methods. ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy, safety, and advantages of radiofrequency for the treatment of lower limb varicose veins. Materials and methodsA prospective study was conducted on 176 patients (37 with venous ulcers) treated with radiofrequency and followed-up for 3 months. The variables studied were pain during and after the procedure, use of analgesics, post-operative complications, healing of ulcers, work incapacity, and the return to work activities. A visual analogue pain scale and Doppler ultrasound were used. ResultsNo complications were observed. The mean pain scale score during the procedure was 3, being 5 after the surgery. The patients returned to their work activities within a mean of 5 to 7 days, with little use of analgesics. The venous ulcer closed at 3 months in 95% of cases. There were no complications or recurrences, either clinically or with Doppler ultrasound, were observed in the follow-up. More than 30% of patients who had comorbidities and were rejected for conventional surgery were successfully intervened using radiofrequency. There was a statistical correlation in that, the younger the patient the lower the pain score during the procedure (P=.04). Those patients who referred to low or no pain returned to their work activities in the first week (P=.04). ConclusionRadiofrequency for the treatment of varicose veins is an effective and safe method. It leads to an early return to work activities by the patients.

Thermoablation using the hedgehog technique for complex recurrent venous reflux patterns

Neovascularization after vein stripping is well recognized as a contributory cause of varicose vein recurrence. Treatment is challenging because of segment tortuosity and fibrous web formation. Surgical re-exploration is practiced, but foam sclerotherapy is becoming preferred. We suggest an alternative method using thermoablation with a technique originally intended for treatment of perforator vein reflux. This modification has not been described in the context of recurrent neovascularization before. By ultrasound-directed insertion of multiple intravenous cannulas into convoluted neovascularized segments, recurrences in the groin, popliteal fossa, and truncal vein strip tracks can be successfully ablated by endovenous laser ablation.

Varicosities of the lower extremity, new approaches: cosmetic or therapeutic needs?

Varicose veins of the lower extremity (VVLE) are a frequently encountered vascular disorder in the general population. The general view that VVLE are a non-serious disease with primarily aesthetic impact is a common misconception, as the disease can have a significant negative impact on generic and disease-specific quality of life. Further, VVLE may be associated with potentially threatening clinical conditions, such as chronic venous ulceration, venous thromboembolism and haemorrhage from ruptured varicose veins. In the case of symptomatic varicose veins, in the presence of advanced lower limb skin changes or when venous complications occur, a referral for dedicated evaluation by the vascular medicine specialist is recommended. The initial diagnostic test of choice to detect the extent of the varicose disease and to plan treatment is duplex ultrasound. Traditionally, compression therapy, surgical high ligation and stripping of the truncal veins have been considered standard of care for VVLE. Driven by the aim to reduce surgical trauma and improve the long-term effectiveness, minimally invasive treatment options have been developed in the last two decades, namely endovascular vein ablation techniques (EVA). Endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation have been established as first-line treatments for varicose veins associated with axial reflux on the basis of the most recent international guidelines. For practical purposes and depending on the concrete clinical situation, the various EVA and surgical techniques are often combined, leading to multimodal varicose vein therapy management. Knowledge of the different techniques is of utmost importance for the vascular medicine specialist. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the new EVA techniques and to elucidate the different therapeutic strategies for VVLE.

Stump evolution after great saphenous vein stripping with high ligation

The aim of the present observational study is to show the evolution of great saphenous vein (GSV) stump in two different periods of follow up. From 2001 to 2009, 500 legs with GSV insufficiency and terminal valve reflux, operated on with stripping by invagination without crossectomy, were followed. Doppler were performed at 1 month (early) and then mid-term (2-year follow-up). The hemodynamic examination of residual stumps showed 4 different types: S1) draining and competent terminal valve; S2) thrombosis and fibrosis; S3) turbulence under Valsalva maneuver and normal antegrade flow at rest; S4) turbulence with reflux at rest: refluxing terminal valve. &lt;em&gt;Early&lt;/em&gt;: the most common finding was S1 (64%), then S2 (18%), S3 (12%) and S4 (6%); S1-S3 patterns were considered as &lt;em&gt;good&lt;/em&gt; evolution (94%), whereas S4 were considered recurrence. &lt;em&gt;Mid-term phase&lt;/em&gt;: the most common finding was again S1 (67%), then S3 (15%), S4 (10%) and S2 (8%). S1 evolution: out of 319 legs in S1 group at early phase, 294 (92%) remained still in S1 at mid-term follow up; 25 (8%) worsen to S3. S2 evolution: out of 92 legs in S2 at early phase, 42 (46%) improved to S1, 40 (43%) did not change pattern across time and 10 legs (11%) worsen to S4. S3 evolution: almost the legs in S3 (51, 86%) remained unchanged at mid-term, whereas 8 (14%) worsen to S4. S4 evolution: all the patients in S4 class at early follow up were still in the same class at mid-term. The evolution of GSV stump can be classified in 4 different patterns, where only S4 should be considered failure.

Evidence summary of combined saphenous ablation and treatment of varicosities versus staged phlebectomy.

The objective of this review was to create an evidence summary of the available literature comparing saphenous vein ablation and concomitant phlebectomy vs ablation with staged phlebectomy. A review of the literature for ambulatory patients treated for venous insufficiency with saphenous ablation and phlebectomy was conducted. A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and PubMed with the keywords phlebectomy, endovenous ablation, staged procedures, vein stripping, superficial venous disease, and powered phlebectomy. All studies that described a single approach, systematic reviews, case series (N< 20), and nonclinical studies were excluded. Eight clinical comparative studies of combined saphenous ablation and phlebectomy vs staged procedures were found: three randomized prospective studies, two prospective comparisons, and three retrospective reviews. Combined treatment of saphenous incompetence and symptomatic varicosities results in better short-term and better to equivalent long-term patient outcomes.

Performance evaluation and optimisation of post combustion CO2 capture processes for natural gas applications at pilot scale via a verified rate-based model

CO2 absorption based on chemical reactions is one of the most promising technologies for post combustion CO2 capture (PCC). There have been significant efforts to develop energy efficient and cost effective PCC processes. Given that PCC is still maturing as a technology, there will be a continuing need for pilot scale facilities to support process optimisation, especially in terms of energy efficiency. Pilot scale PCC facilities, which are usually orders of magnitude smaller than those that will be used in future in large scale fossil power plants, make it possible to study details of the PCC process at an affordable scale. However, it is essential that pilot scale studies provide credible data, if this is to be used with confidence to envisage the future large-scale use of the PCC process, especially in terms of energy consumption. The present work therefore establishes and experimentally verifies (using a representative pilot plant as a case study) procedures for analysing the energy performance of a pilot scale amine based CO2 capture plants, focusing on natural gas fired applications. The research critically assesses the pilot plant’s current energy performance, and proposes new operating conditions and system modifications by which the pilot plant will operate more efficiently in terms of energy consumption. The methodology developed to assess and improve the energy performance of the PCC process is applicable, with appropriate inputs, to other plants of this type that employs aqueous 30wt.% monoethanolamine (MEA) solution as the solvent. A rate based model of the post combustion CO2 capture process using an aqueous solution of 30wt.% MEA as the solvent was developed in Aspen Plus® V.8.4, and verified using the results of experimental studies carried out using the UK Carbon Capture and Storage Research Centre/Pilot-scale Advanced Capture Technology (UKCCSRC/PACT) pilot plant, as a representative pilot-scale capture plant, and employed for parametric sensitivity studies. Several parameters have been identified and varied over a given range of lean solvent CO2 loading to evaluate their effects on the pilot plant energy requirement. The optimum lean solvent CO2 loading was determined using the total equivalent work concept. Results show, for a given packing material type, the majority of energy savings can be realised by optimising the stripper operating pressure. To some extent, a higher solvent temperature at the stripper inlet has the potential to reduce the regeneration energy requirement. A more efficient packing material, can greatly improve the pilot plant overall energy and mass transfer efficiency.

Pelvic congestion syndrome and left renal compression syndrome - clinical features and therapeutic approaches.

Knowledge of the anatomy of the pelvic, gonadal and renal veins is important to understand pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) and left renal vein compression syndrome (LRCS), which is also known as the nutcracker syndrome. LRCS is related to PCS and to the presence of vulvar, vaginal and pudendal varicose veins. The diagnosis of the two syndromes is difficult, and usually achieved with CT- or phlebography. The gold standard is the intravenous pressure measurement using conventional phlebography. The definition of PCS is described as pelvic pain, aggravated in the standing position and lasting for more than 6 months. Pain in the left flank and microhaematuria is seen in patients with LRCS. Women with multiple pregnancies are at increased risk of developing varicose vein recurrences with pelvic drainage and ovarian vein reflux after crossectomy and stripping of the great saphenous vein. The therapeutic options are: conservative treatment (medroxyprogesteron) or interventional (coiling of the ovarian vein) or operative treatment (clipping of the ovarian vein). Controlled prospective trials are needed to find the best treatment.

Preventive Replacement Decisions for Dragline Components Using Reliability Analysis

Reliability-based maintenance policies allow qualitative and quantitative evaluation of system downtimes via revealing main causes of breakdowns and discussing required preventive activities against failures. Application of preventive maintenance is especially important for mining machineries since production is highly affected from machinery breakdowns. Overburden stripping operations are one of the integral parts in surface coal mine productions. Draglines are extensively utilized in overburden stripping operations and they achieve earthmoving activities with bucket capacities up to 168 m3. The massive structure and operational severity of these machines increase the importance of performance awareness for individual working components. Research on draglines is rarely observed in the literature and maintenance studies for these earthmovers have been generally ignored. On this basis, this paper offered a comprehensive reliability assessment for two draglines currently operating in the Tunçbilek coal mine and discussed preventive replacement for wear-out components of the draglines considering cost factors.

Barrier Patch Implantation during Redo Surgery for Varicose Vein Recurrences in the Groin: 1-Year Results

Rerecurrences after redo surgery for recurrent varicose veins in the groin are a common problem. The present report looks at the efficacy of an additional barrier patch implantation in reducing these rerecurrences. A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was conducted. This included 67 patients with 86 legs who underwent redo-groin surgery for symptomatic recurrences. In addition, a polytetrafluoroethylene-barrier patch was placed at the former saphenofemoral junction. All patients had undergone ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein a mean of 13.9years earlier. All patients were examined by duplex ultrasound before and 1 year after the procedure. Perioperatively, minor complications occurred in 5.8% of cases, the groin infection rate was 2.4%. In 85 of 86 legs, the duplex follow-up examination was performed after 1 year. This revealed an overall rerecurrence rate of 12%, of which only 2.4% were caused by recurrent neovascularization in the groin bypassing the barrier patch. The remaining 9.6% were caused by different sites of reflux (pelvic veins and perforators). Redo-groin surgery with additional barrier patch implantation seems to be a safe and effective way to prevent rerecurrences in the groin. In our experience, it provided very promising 1-year results with a very low rate of recurrent neovascularization.

The Impact of Race on Advanced Chronic Venous Insufficiency

The study aimed to determine the association between race and patient variables, hospital covariates, and outcomes in patients presenting with advanced chronic venous insufficiency. The National Inpatient Sample was queried to identify all Caucasian and African-American patients with a primary International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) diagnosis code for venous stasis with ulceration (454.0), inflammation (454.1), or complications (454.2) from 1998 to 2011. CEAP scores were correlated with ICD-9 diagnosis. Demographics, CEAP classification, management, cost of care, length of stay (LOS), and inpatient mortality were compared between races. Statistical analysis was via descriptive statistics, Student's t-test, and the Fisher's exact test. Trend analysis was completed using the Mann-Kendall test. A total of 20,648 patients were identified of which 85% were Caucasian and 15% were African-American. Debridement procedures had the highest costs at $6,096 followed by skin grafting at $4,089. There was an overall decrease in the number of ulcer debridements, vein stripping, and sclerotherapy procedures between 1998 and 2011 (P<0.05) for both groups. However, African-American patients had significantly more ulcer debridements than their Caucasian counterparts. African-American patients with a primary diagnosis of venous stasis present with more advanced venous disease at a younger age compared with their Caucasian counterparts. This is associated with increased ulcer debridement, deep vein thrombosis rates and hospital charges in the African-American cohort. There are no differences in sclerotherapy or skin grafting procedures, LOS or inpatient mortality between races.

A multicenter review of epidemiology and management of varicose veins for national guidance.

BackgroundVaricose vein is a common surgical problems in India. This study was done to assess the clinico-epidemiological profile, risk factors and management practices in varicose veins.Materials and methodsMedical records of 170 varicose vein cases admitted in tertiary care hospitals in Mangalore between May 2011 to April 2014 were reviewed retrospectively.ResultsMajority of cases 53(31.2%) were of the age group 41–50 years. Majority were males 127(74.7%) and majority were unskilled workers 101(59.4%). Superficial veins were involved in 123(72.4%) cases. Perforator followed by great saphenous vein were most frequently involved. Veins on the left side were more involved than on the right. Common symptoms at the time of presentation was ulceration 98(57.6%) followed by pain in the legs 96(56.5%). Ulceration was seen significantly more among females (p = 0.027) and among house wives (p = 0.004). Complications like eczema 46(27.1%), non-healing ulcers 21(12.3%) and deep vein thrombosis 10(5.9%) were reported among cases. Eczema was present significantly more among elderly patients aged above 60 years (p = 0.019). Risk factors like prolonged standing was observed in 86(50.6%) cases. This history was significantly seen among males (p = 0.001) and among those involved in unskilled occupations (p < 0.001). Recurrence of varicose vein was reported in 23(13.5%) cases. It was associated with patients of the age group 21–30 years (p = 0.021). Doppler ultrasound was the most common 120(70.6%) investigation done. Micronized purified flavonoid fraction was used in management in 15(8.8%) cases. Conservative management methods like limb elevation 50(29.4%) and compression stocking 36(21.2%) was advised to patients. Saphenous vein stripping was the most common surgical procedure 40(23.5%) performed.ConclusionThe high risk groups identified in this study need to be made aware of risk of developing varicose veins. Use of compression stocking at work place added with newer procedure in management could help in betterment in their quality of life.

Detailed experimental study on the performance of Monoethanolamine, Diethanolamine, and Diethylenetriamine at absorption/regeneration conditions

Experiments were carried out in a lab-stripper to investigate the regeneration performance of CO2-loaded solutions of Monoethanolamine (MEA) under various operational conditions (energy input, rich solution flow rate, rich solution loading). To better understand the regeneration process of a rich MEA solution, appropriate evaluation of the absorption and regeneration capacities of an aqueous MEA solution were first determined. Thus, first of all, a bubbling reaction system was employed to assess the absorption and desorption capacities of MEA, and other amines, such as Diethanolamine (DEA) and Diethylenetriamine (DETA), were introduced to compare these capacities in terms of amino group. The influences of the solution temperature and the solution concentration on CO2 absorption and desorption performances were investigated. The results show that these factors significantly affect CO2 absorption and desorption. Moreover, experiments in the bubbling reaction system were conducted to compare the regeneration capacities of the three CO2-loaded solutions (MEA, DEA, DETA) with increasing concentrations under the condition of different sweep gases (100% N2, 14% CO2 and 100% CO2). The data show that under the condition of each type of sweep gas, the regeneration capacity of the three types of amino groups followed the rule: DEA > DETA > MEA. On the basis of these data obtained from the reaction system, regeneration experiments with loaded 2 mol/L MEA solutions in a stripper column were conducted to analyze the relationships between the regeneration ratio and the stripper operating parameters.

The efficacy of proliferative membrane stripping combined with retinal laser photocoagulation for the treatment of proliferative vitreoretinopathy on silicone oil-filled eyes

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of proliferative membrane stripping combined with retinal laser photocoagulation for the treatment of proliferative vitreoretinopathy ( PVR ) on silicone oil-filled eyes. Methods The data of 66 eyes of 66 patients with PVR after vitrectomy combined with silicone oil tamponade surgery from January 2013 to June 2015 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. These patients received proliferative membrane stripping combined with retinal laser photocoagulation. The visual acuity before and after the surgery, central macular thickness, retinal reattachment, the timing of silicone oil removal and postoperative complications were observed and analyzed. Results The retinas were reattached in all 66 eyes after the surgery and no serious complication occurred. The removal of the silicone oil was within 3 months in 39 eyes ( 59.09% ) and 4 to 6 months in 27 eyes (40.91%). The membrane stripping operation was performed 2 to 4 times in 10 eyes ( 15.15% ). The recurrent retinal detachment occurred after the oil removal in 2 eyes (3.03%) and the silicone oil tamponade surgery was performed again to reattach the retina. The postoperative visual acuity improved significantly compared with preoperative visual acuity and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=14.85, P=0.0019 ). Before the surgery the mean thickness of central macular area was (352.70 ± 55.52) μm. Three months after the surgery the thickness reduced to (324.37±49.74) μm and the difference was statistically significant (t=7.591, P=0.000 ). Conclusion Proliferative membrane stripping combined with retinal laser photocoagulation for PVR on silicone oil-filled eyes is exactly effective. Key words: Proliferative membrane stripping; Laser photocoagulation, retinal; Vitreoretinopathy, proliferative; Silicone oil-filled eyes; Efficacy