Two-year follow-up study comparing primary vitrectomy with scleral buckling for macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Persistent submacular fluid diagnosed with optical coherence tomography after successful scleral buckle surgery for macula-off retinal detachment

Crataegus species have been widely used in herbal medicine, especially for the hearth diseases. In the present study, the effect of Crataegus aronia var. dentata Browicz extract on partially hepatectomized rats was investigated with biochemical and TUNEL apoptosis assays. The extracts of the plant at the concentrations of 0.5 and 1 ml/100 g body weight/day were administered orally to the two experimental groups including partially hepatectomized rats for 42 days. At the end of the experimental period, animals were sacrificed, blood was collected for the assessment of serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and the liver tissue was used for TUNEL assay. In biochemical assay, it was found a significant decrease in the levels of serum ALT and AST in the experimental groups. On the other hand, the plant extract did not cause any significant changes in the level of GGT in these groups. In apoptosis assay, TUNEL positive hepatocytes could not be detected in both experimental groups. The present findings can suggest that Crataegus aronia var. dentata Browicz extract can decrease the levels of serum ALT and AST and play a role in apoptosis of hepatocytes in the liver of partially hepatectomized rats. However, further studies are required to confirm the effects of the plant extract on hepatoprotection and apoptosis in the regenerating liver after partial hepatectomy in animal models.

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment treatment guidelines

This paper outlines general guidelines following the initial diagnosis of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. These include preoperative evaluation, treatment, possible intra- and post-operative complications, retinal re-detachment, and all therapeutic options available for each case. Treatment of the traumatic retinal detachment is also described, due to its importance and peculiarities. Treatment or prophylactic guidelines are suggested for the different types of retinal detachment described. These are based on both the experience of the ophthalmologists that have participated in preparing the guidelines, and also on evidence-based grading linked to bibliographical sources. However, these guidelines should not be interpreted as being mandatory. Given that there is a wide spectrum of options for treatment of retinal detachment, the surgeons' experience with one or other surgical technique will be of utmost importance in obtaining the best surgical result. As guidelines, they are intended as an additional aid to the surgeon during the decision-making process, with the expectation that the final choice will still be left to the surgeon's judgment and past experience.

A propensity score matching application: indications and results of adding scleral buckle to vitrectomy: The Retina 1 Project: Report 3

PURPOSE

To identify the indications and differences in outcomes for adding a scleral buckle (SB) to pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in a prospective series of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) by using propensity score matching (PSM) to analyze causal effects in observational studies.

METHODS

Data were collected from the Retina 1 Project, a prospective, interventional, nonrandomized study of consecutive RDs. Case selection was based upon treatment with PPV or PPV+SB. Surgeons followed personal criteria for the inclusion of SB in the PPV. Propensity score matching corrected for selection biases. Outcomes were assessed by anatomic and visual criteria and the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

RESULTS

Of 523 patients analyzed, 251 had PPV and 272 had PPV+SB. Surgeons used PPV+SB more frequently in younger patients with RD, in those with posterior or unidentified breaks, in phakic eyes, in eyes with the posterior vitreous attached, and for more extended RDs. Overall single surgery anatomic success rate was 86.4%. Based on PSM, there were no difference in reattachment rates of the PPV group, 86.9%, and the PPV+SB group, 85.93%. The incidence of PVR was similar in both groups, with 8.5% in the PPV group and 10.5% in the PPV+SB group.

CONCLUSIONS

Data from the Retina 1 Project established the indications for adding SB to PPV in treating primary RD in this series. No anatomic or visual differences between PPV and PPV+SB were found.

Outcome of surgery after macula-off retinal detachment - results from MUSTARD, one of the largest databases on buckling surgery in Europe

PURPOSE

To evaluate the anatomical success rate of scleral buckling surgery in the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and to evaluate the differences in outcome between patients suffering macula-off retinal detachment and those without a macular involvement.

METHODS

As a retrospective interventional case series, Munster Study on Therapy Achievements in Retinal Detachment (MUSTARD) is one of the largest ever established of retinal detachment patients and their outcome after buckling surgery, with 4325 patients who underwent surgery between 1980 and 2001. In 53.94% (n = 2134) of 3956 patients with nontraumatic retinal detachment, the macula was involved. The main outcome measure was the achievement of dry anatomical attachment of the retina.

RESULTS

The success rate in patients with macula-off retinal detachment is 80.46% and thus 7.78% lower (p < 0.01) than that in those patients with their macula intact whose success rate amounted to 88.24%. The overall success rate of all 4325 MUSTARD patients was 83.98%.

CONCLUSIONS

Scleral buckling is an established and mostly successful method for the treatment of retinal detachment. As our case series has demonstrated, even eyes with macula-off can be treated successfully by this procedure, thereby avoiding the complications of primary vitrectomy.

Success rates of retinal detachment surgery: routine versus emergency setting

BACKGROUND

Surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) should usually be performed as soon as possible. However, a risk of operating in an emergency setting has to be considered against the risk of delaying it.

METHODS

In a retrospective, interventional, non-comparative clinical case series we reviewed the charts of all patients who underwent surgery for primary noncomplex RRD between February 1999 and July 2009. The primary anatomical success (PAS) of RRD surgery was the primary outcome measure, which was defined as permanent reattachment of the retina after a single surgical procedure. All cases were classified as (I) surgical cases, which were performed as emergency procedures the night of the patient's admission to the hospital (emergency setting), and as (II) those cases, which were operated in a routine setting during daytime (routine setting). Visual acuity was documented 2 and 6 months after surgery

RESULTS

1810 cases of primary noncomplex RRD were analysed. PAS rates were 88.0 % in the routine setting and 87.3 % in the emergency setting (p = 0.67). While expert surgeons' PAS rates did not differ between routine and emergency, non-experts achieved inferior anatomical results, when performing surgery in the emergency setting (81.6 % vs. 88.3 %; p = 0.02). There was no difference between expert (87.7 %) and non-expert surgeons (88.6 %) in the routine setting (p = 0.75). There was no statistically significant difference in visual acuity.

CONCLUSIONS

Prompt RRD surgery in an emergency setting did not improve the anatomical outcome and was worse if performed by non-expert surgeons. The possibility to schedule surgery may improve delivery of care without compromising the outcome. Although we did not see a significant functional difference, there was a trend for better visual acuity for experts and routine setting. If one decides that prompt surgery is necessary, it should only be done by an experienced vitreoretinal surgeon.

Surgical outcomes for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments in patients with pseudophakia after phacoemulsification

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical features and surgical outcomes for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RDs) in patients with pseudophakia after phacoemulsification.

METHODS

The medical records of patients with pseudophakia after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation who had undergone surgery for primary rhegmatogenous RDs with a minimum duration of follow-up of 12 months were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

A total of 104 patients were enrolled in this study and 106 eyes were analyzed. Post-operative retinal attachment was achieved in 87 of the eyes (82.1%) and the final visual acuities (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) were improved to 0.65 ± 0.49 from the baseline measurement of 1.51 ± 1.14 (p < 0.001). Re-operations were performed in 24 of the eyes (22.6%) and there were no visible retinal breaks in 30 of the eyes (28.3%). The failure to identify a retinal break during surgery was associated with a lower rate of retinal reattachment, worse final visual acuity, and a higher rate of re-operation (p = 0.002, p = 0.02, and p = 0.002, respectively). The location of the identified retinal break was more common in the superotemporal quadrant than in the other quadrants.

CONCLUSIONS

The inability to identify a retinal break during surgery was associated with a poor final outcome. Other factors were less important for the functional and anatomic success in patients with pseudophakic RDs.

Pars plana vitrectomy for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is growing in popularity for the treatment of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD). PPV achieves favorable anatomic and visual outcomes in a wide variety of patients, especially in pseudophakic RD. A growing number of clinical series, both retrospective and prospective, have demonstrated generally comparable outcomes comparing PPV and scleral buckling (SB) under a variety of circumstances. The Scleral Buckling Versus Primary Vitrectomy in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment (SPR) study is a multicenter, randomized, prospective, controlled clinical trial comparing SB versus PPV. This study should provide useful guidelines in the future. At this time, the choice of SB versus PPV should be based on the characteristics of the RD, the patient as a whole, and the experience and preference of the individual retinal surgeon.

Pars plana vitrectomy versus combined pars plana vitrectomy and scleral buckle for primary repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

OBJECTIVE

To compare pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with PPV and scleral buckle (PPV/SB) for repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

DESIGN

A retrospective chart review.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients who underwent PPV or PPV/SB for RRD repair at a single institution.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of patients in two different treatment groups and analysis of the anatomic and functional results.

RESULTS

Single-surgery anatomic success was achieved in 31 of 37 (83.8%) phakic eyes that underwent PPV and in 66 of 68 (97.1%) phakic eyes that underwent PPV/SB (p = 0.0216). Among pseudophakic eyes, 42 of 48 (87.5%) in the PPV group and 62 of 66 (93.9%) in the PPV/SB group achieved single-surgery reattachment (p = 0.3175). Visual acuity improvement was marginally greater in the PPV group among phakic (p = 0.4898) and pseudophakic (p = 0.2465) eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

PPV/SB may be associated with a decreased risk for retinal redetachment when compared to PPV for repair of phakic RRD. In pseudophakic eyes, the anatomic success rate between the two techniques appears to be similar.

Surgical outcome of scleral buckling compared with scleral buckling with vitrectomy for treatment of macula-off retinal detachment

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To compare the surgical outcome of scleral buckling (group 1) versus scleral buckling with pars plana vitrectomy (group 2) for the repair of macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment without proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed.

RESULTS

Eighty-three patients were identified in group 1 and 63 patients in group 2. Presenting visual acuity was 4/200 in group 1 and 3/200 in group 2. Median duration of detachment prior to surgery was 5 days in group 1 and 6 days in group 2. There was no statistical difference in best-corrected (P = .59) or most recent (P = .75) visual acuity between groups. Median best-corrected visual acuity was 20/30 and median most recent visual acuity was 20/40 in both groups. Significantly more additional procedures were performed in group 1 than in group 2 (21.7% vs 7.9%, respectively; P = .024). The final reattachment rate was 96.4% in group 1 and 98.4% in group 2. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy developed in 15.7% of patients in group 1 and 4.8% in group 2 (P= .037).

CONCLUSION

Visual outcome of scleral buckling is similar to scleral buckling with pars plana vitrectomy for the treatment of macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in patients without proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Patients undergoing scleral buckling only are at an increased risk of developing proliferative vitreoretinopathy and requiring additional procedures.

Visual and anatomic outcomes of vitreoretinal surgery: results at the Boston VA and a review of the literature

Introduction

The veteran population presents unique challenges in the management of vitreoretinal disorders. We compiled the surgical outcomes for the most common visually significant vitreoretinal diagnoses. Those results were then compared to visual and anatomic outcomes established in the literature.

Materials and Methods

Medical records over a three-year time period, from January 2005 through December 2007, were reviewed for 208 persons who underwent vitreoretinal surgery for vitreous hemorrhage, retained lens fragment, rhegmatogenous and tractional retinal detachment, macular hole, and macular pucker at the Jamaica Plain Campus of the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System in Boston, MA. A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted on Medline. Data from several large case series and meta-analyses were compared to results obtained at the VA Boston.

Results

A total of 208 veterans underwent vitreoretinal surgery from January 2005 to December 2007. After excluding those with rare diagnoses and lack of adequate follow-up data, the outcomes of 181 vitreoretinal procedures were included in this study.

Discussion

Overall, veterans at a regional referral center in Boston demonstrate postoperative visual and anatomic outcomes comparable to outcomes reported in the ophthalmic literature.

Primary repair of retinal detachment with 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy

PURPOSE

To evaluate 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for primary repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

STUDY DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective, consecutive case series included 42 eyes of 41 patients who underwent primary repair of RRD utilizing transconjunctival 25-gauge PPV without scleral buckling at the Cincinnati Eye Institute from July 2004 through January 2007.

METHODS

The medical records were retrospectively reviewed, and the corresponding demographic data, preoperative ophthalmic diagnoses, surgical management, and postoperative course and treatment were recorded. Main outcome measures included single surgery anatomical success, preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, and complications.

RESULTS

Most patients had pseudophakic RRD (36 [85.7%] of 42 eyes). The crystalline lens was present in the remaining 6 eyes (14.3%). Of 42 eyes, 28 (66.7%) had macula-on RRD, while 14 (33.3%) had macula-off RRD. Four surgeons contributed to this study, and 25-gauge PPV instrumentation, a wide-angle viewing system, endolaser photocoagulation, and gas tamponade were used in each case. The single surgery anatomical success rate was 92.9% (39 of 42 eyes). For eyes with macula-on RRD, best-corrected visual acuity was 20/50 (0.43 logMAR [logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution]) preoperatively and 20/30 (0.23 logMAR) postoperatively (P = 0.24). For eyes with macula-off RRD, best-corrected visual acuity was 5/200 (1.56 logMAR) preoperatively and 20/30 (0.23 logMAR) postoperatively (P = 0.001). Three eyes required additional surgery for final reattachment. Final reattachment was achieved in 100% of patients (mean follow-up, 8 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Twenty-five-gauge PPV with laser retinopexy and gas tamponade is effective for primary repair of RRD. The single operation anatomical success rate is comparable with rates reported for primary vitrectomy with 20-gauge instrumentation, scleral buckling, and combined vitrectomy/scleral buckling.

Vision-related quality of life and visual function after retinal detachment surgery

PURPOSE

To compare the vision-related quality of life (VR QOL) after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) surgery with that of normal controls and to investigate the relationship between the VR QOL and visual function after surgery for RD.

DESIGN

Prospective, consecutive, comparative case series.

METHODS

The 25-Item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) was self-administered by 51 RD patients at six months after surgery. Among the patients with RD, 33 underwent pars plana vitrectomy and 18 received scleral buckling. We examined the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity with the CSV-1000E (Vector Vision Co, Greenville, Ohio, USA), and low-contrast visual acuity (VA) with the CSV-1000LanC10% (Vector Vision Co). From the data obtained by CSV-1000E, the area under the log contrast sensitivity function (AULCSF) was calculated. The VFQ-25 also was administered to the 46 age-matched normal controls.

RESULTS

The VFQ-25 composite score and the subscales associated with near activities, mental health, dependency, and peripheral vision were significantly lower in the RD group than in the normal controls (P < .05). The VFQ-25 composite score significantly correlated with AULCSF (r = 0.354; P < .05) and low-contrast VA (r = -0.475; P < 0.001), whereas there was no correlation between the VFQ-25 composite score and logMAR BCVA (r = 0.172; P = .229).

CONCLUSIONS

The VR QOL is significantly impaired in patients after surgery for RD. The disturbance in VR QOL was significantly associated with deterioration of postoperative contrast sensitivity.

Recent trends in the management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

It has been nearly a century since Jules Gonin performed the first intervention for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, trans-scleral cautery, achieving successful outcomes in close to 50% of his cases. With the introduction of alternative surgical approaches in the last half-century, including Charles Schepens' scleral buckle technique and Robert Machemer's pars plana vitrectomy, the surgical success rates have risen to close to 90%. Nonetheless, despite dramatic progress in the success of reattachment surgeries, reasonable disagreement exists as to which approach (or combination of approaches) is the best form of surgical intervention for patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachments. In this review, the authors summarize the current knowledge of retinal detachment, and examine emerging results from the first large scale, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trials addressing the efficacy of these surgical approaches for retinal detachment, with the hope of identifying the most appropriate (evidence-based) therapeutic intervention for the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

Macular function of successfully repaired macula-off retinal detachments

PURPOSE

To assess the macular function of successfully repaired macula-off retinal detachments in the long term and to evaluate the relationship between duration of macular detachment and functional recovery.

METHODS

Of 214 consecutive patients, 29 who were operated on because of unilateral retinal detachment with at least 6 months of follow-up and whose best-corrected visual acuity was better than 0.05 Snellen chart value in both eyes were examined. Operated eyes were included in group I, and the fellow eyes were included in group II. Macular functions were evaluated in terms of visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, color vision, visual field, and visual evoked potentials after reattachment.

RESULTS

All macular functions except P100 amplitudes in the operated eyes were significantly less than those in the fellow eyes (P = 0.28) following reattachment after nearly 5 years. It was found that the longer the duration of macular detachment (except detachment duration of < or = 7 days), the smaller the increase in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and color vision defect scores (P = 0.000, P = 0.034, and P = 0.0003, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Macular functions except P100 amplitude cannot be recovered completely 5 years after retinal reattachment. There was no relation between the duration of macular detachment and the mean deviation in visual field and the P100 latency and P100 amplitude difference between both eyes.

Primary vitrectomy versus conventional retinal detachment surgery in phakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare the results of primary vitrectomy and conventional scleral buckling procedures (conventional retinal detachment surgery) in phakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

METHODS

We carried out a randomized, prospective, clinical controlled trial of 61 consecutive phakic eyes with primary RRD, not complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy >or= grade C. Subjects were randomized to either scleral buckling (group 1) or pars plana vitrectomy (group 2).

RESULTS

At 6 months follow-up, the primary reattachment rate was 80% (24/30 cases) in group 2 and 80.6% (25/31 cases) in group 1; the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.213). Best corrected visual acuity improved significantly from a preoperative median of 1.78 (1/60) (mean 1.73 +/- 0.91, range 0.3-3) to a median of 0.6 (6/24) (mean 0.689 +/- 0.35, range 0.18-1.48) in group 2 and from a preoperative median of 1.48 (2/60) (mean 1.43 +/- 0.92, range 0-3) to a median of 0.6 (6/24) (mean 0.608 +/- 0.36, range 0-1.78) in group 1; the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.376). Cataract developed in five cases (17%) in the vitrectomy group (group 2), with a statistically significant difference of p = 0.018.

CONCLUSIONS

Although primary vitrectomy can achieve anatomical and functional success rates comparable with those achieved by scleral buckling in uncomplicated forms of phakic RRD, the major drawback of the procedure is the high incidence of postoperative cataract formation. Moreover, visual rehabilitation takes place earlier with scleral buckling than with vitrectomy. Scleral buckling should thus be used as the primary surgical modality in the treatment of uncomplicated RRD where the media are sufficiently clear.

Scleral buckling versus primary vitrectomy in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment study (SPR Study): recruitment list evaluation. Study report no. 2

BACKGROUND

Accompanying the patient recruitment within the "Scleral buckling versus primary vitrectomy in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment multicentre trial (SPR)", all patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) had to be documented in a detailed recruitment list. The main goal of this analysis was to estimate the prevalence of "medium-severe" RRD (SPR Study eligible) as defined by the SPR Study inclusion criteria. In addition, the detailed anatomical situation of medium-severe RRD is investigated.

METHODS

SPR Study recruitment was evaluated via a standardised questionnaire, which contained a coloured fundus drawing and information regarding possible reasons for exclusion from the SPR Study in each case. A team of three experienced vitreoretinal surgeons evaluated all fundus drawings from a 1-year period. The review led to a decision on SPR Study eligibility on the pure basis of anatomical assessment. The main outcome measures were assessment of feasible inclusion into the SPR Study by the evaluation team based on the fundus drawing and anatomical details.

RESULTS

A total of 1,115 patients with RRD from 13 European centres were prospectively enrolled in the year 2000. The quality of the drawings sufficed for assessment in 1,107 cases (99.3%). Three hundred and twelve fundus drawings (28.2%) met the anatomic inclusion criteria of the SPR Study. RRD of medium severity is characterised by an average number of 2.6 (SD 2.4) retinal breaks, 5.8 (SD 2.8) clock hours of detached retina, unclear hole situation in 15.1% of cases (n=47), attached macula in 42.9% (n=134), bullous detachment in 15.1% (n=47) and vitreous haemorrhage/opacity in 7.7% (n=24).

CONCLUSIONS

In the recruitment lists of the SPR Study of the year 2000, RRD of medium severity was present in nearly one third of the patients with primary RRD. These findings emphasise the clinical relevance of the SPR Study.

Pars plana vitrectomy versus combined pars plana vitrectomy-scleral buckle for primary repair of pseudophakic retinal detachment

PURPOSE

To evaluate pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) versus a combined PPV and scleral buckle (PPV/SB) for repair of noncomplex, pseudophakic retinal detachment.

DESIGN

Retrospective, nonrandomized, comparative interventional study.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred fifty-two eyes of 152 patients followed up for a mean of 10 months. The case series included 68 consecutive patients who underwent PPV and 84 consecutive patients who underwent a PPV/SB for primary repair of primary pseudophakic retinal detachment at Wills Eye Hospital between 2002 and 2004.

METHODS

All primary PPV cases were performed by 2 surgeons who perform primary vitrectomy without regard to location of detachment, number and location of break(s), refractive error, or macula status. All primary PPV/SB were performed by a group of surgeons who solely perform PPV/SB on pseudophakic retinal detachments. All eyes underwent a standard 3-port 20-gauge PPV under wide-field viewing and scleral depression. Endolaser photocoagulation was applied either around the retinal tears or 360 degrees to the vitreous base region followed by gas tamponade. Patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy grade C or worse were excluded from the study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

(1) Single surgery anatomic success rates, (2) preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, and (3) complications.

RESULTS

The single surgery anatomic success rate in the primary PPV group was 63 of 68 eyes (92.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 84%-98%) and in the primary PPV/SB group was 79 of 84 eyes (94.0%; 95% CI, 87%-98%). Both groups obtained 100% final reattachment rate. There was no statistically significant difference between the success rates (P = 0.75, Fisher exact test). The PPV group's best-corrected postoperative visual acuity demonstrated a +0.10 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution improvement over the PPV/SB group (P = 0.07). The PPV group had a smaller incidence of postoperative complications (13/68 patients [19.1%] vs. 27/84 patients [32.1%]; P = 0.10, Fisher exact test).

CONCLUSIONS

Primary PPV and PPV/SB seem to have similar efficacy in the repair of a matched group of patients with primary noncomplex pseudophakic retinal detachment. There was no statistically significant difference in complication rate between the 2 groups.

An evidence-based analysis of surgical interventions for uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

PURPOSE

To evaluate the various surgical interventions available for uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

METHODS

Reports of controlled clinical trials of surgical interventions (pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckling and vitrectomy) for uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment indexed in MEDLINE from 1968 to January 2006 were included. The primary outcomes evaluated included single-operation reattachment rates, multiple reoperation reattachment rates and improvements in visual acuity (VA).

RESULTS

We found five controlled trials (two randomized) comparing the efficacy of pneumatic retinopexy versus scleral buckling. The single-operation reattachment rates were higher for scleral buckling, but the final reattachment rates were similar. We found nine controlled trials (four randomized) evaluating vitrectomy. There were no statistically significant differences between retinal reattachment rates or final visual acuities, except in one randomized and one non-randomized controlled trial in which the VAs were significantly better in the vitrectomy than the scleral buckling group.

CONCLUSIONS

Pneumatic retinopexy is a possible alternative to scleral buckling in the treatment of uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. The rates of missed or new retinal breaks after pneumatic retinopexy, however, are higher than following scleral buckling. The clinical outcomes of vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment compare favourably.

Anatomical and functional outcome of surgery of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in high myopic eyes

PURPOSE

To analyse the anatomical and functional outcome of surgery for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in highly myopic eyes.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 111 high myopic patients (111 eyes) with primary RRD treated by scleral buckling or pars plana vitrectomy in a tertiary referral university hospital. The postoperative retinal status and best-corrected visual acuity were recorded. Risk factors including age, refractive error, duration of retinal detachment, preoperative visual acuity, extent of detachment, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were evaluated. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent correlation of each variable on anatomical and functional outcome.

RESULTS

Primary surgery resulting in retinal reattachment was achieved in 96 (86.5%) eyes with more than 6 months follow-up (range, 6-60 months). Sixty-eight (61.3%) eyes had postoperative corrected visual acuity 20/50 or more. Postoperative complications in high myopic eyes were variable, and the most common was cataract progression (19.8%). Upon multiple logistic regression analysis, young patients had significantly better anatomical outcome, although the variables including less refraction error, better preoperative visual acuity, scleral buckling procedure, and less surgical intervention showed better functional outcome in our series.

CONCLUSIONS

The anatomical outcome of surgery for primary RRD in highly myopic eyes was favourable, and young patients tended to have a higher success rate. Functional outcome was significantly correlated with refractive error, preoperative visual acuity, surgical procedure, and number of vitreoretinal surgery.

Tailored vitrectomy and laser photocoagulation without scleral buckling for all primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments

AIM

To investigate the anatomical and functional results and the complications in eyes operated on using vitrectomy without scleral buckling for all forms of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

METHODS

All cases of primary RRD at the University Hospital of Lund, Lund, Sweden, treated by one surgeon during a period of 3 years were retrospectively reviewed. In 131 (98%) of 134 consecutive cases, a final follow-up record of 3-14 months was obtained, and these eyes were included in the study. The surgical protocol was tailored for each case and consisted of vitrectomy, laser photocoagulation and tamponade. Preoperative and intraoperative variables were analyses for risk for redetachment and postoperative proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).

RESULTS

Complete reattachment was achieved in 87% of cases (114/131) after one operation and in 95% cases after > or =1 operation. A primary detachment of >1 quadrant was the only significant risk factor for redetachment (p<0.05). The most common cause of redetachment was progressive PVR. Significant risk and factors for PVR postoperatively were a poor preoperative visual acuity and a high number of laser effects during surgery (p<0.05). The visual acuity for the total number of eyes, macula-off eyes, and pseudophakic as well as phakic eyes, improved significantly. The visual acuity for macula-on eyes did not change significantly. Six patients developed ocular hypertension and another 6 an epiretinal membrane. Three patients reported a visual field defect. Increased lens opacification was seen in 64 of the 94 (68%) phakic eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

The tailored vitrectomy protocol is well suited to all types of RRD. Increased lens opacification in phakic eyes is common, but visual acuity is considerably improved in phakic as well as pseudophakic eyes. PVR development postoperatively is related to the extent of laser treatment, indicating that the protocol may be even further optimised in the future.

Primary retinal detachment: scleral buckle or pars plana vitrectomy?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

There remains no consensus among vitreoretinal surgeons regarding the optimal management of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. In this article, fundamental principles are discussed and applied to recent clinical reports.

RECENT FINDINGS

The consensus of the peer-reviewed literature appears to be that scleral buckling and primary pars plana vitrectomy may yield comparable single-operation success rates and visual acuity outcomes for a wide variety of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments.

SUMMARY

No definitive prospective, randomized, multicenter trial compares scleral buckling with pars plana vitrectomy. The upcoming Scleral Buckling versus Primary Vitrectomy in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment study may yield useful information in this regard. Even when this study is completed, the choice of surgical modality is complex and may be individualized for specific patients.

Scleral Buckling Procedures for Longstanding or Chronic Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment with Subretinal Proliferation

OBJECTIVE

To investigate longstanding or chronic retinal detachments (RDs) with subretinal strands and their clinical features and therapeutic effects using conventional retinal surgery.

DESIGN

Retrospective, consecutive, noncomparative case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Cases of 36 patients (40 eyes) with longstanding RD and subretinal proliferation who had undergone scleral buckling or encircling procedures between January 1, 1995 and October 31, 2003 at one institution were reviewed.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the patient data was conducted from the medical records.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Visual acuity (VA) and postoperative anatomic retinal reattachment at the final follow-up visit between 3 and 24 months (mean, 6.9).

RESULTS

Forty eyes with an RD (mean duration, 13.8 months) treated with scleral encircling and buckling had a 90% cure rate after one surgery. The VA levels increased in 77.5% of eyes to over 5/100 at the final follow-up visit. Longstanding or chronic RD with subretinal proliferation had subretinal proliferative strands (i.e., a shallow RD) and a smooth atrophic detached retina, not a thickened retina.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that scleral encircling and buckling can be used in most patients with a longstanding RD. The chronic pathologic course of longstanding rhegmatogenous RD should be considered before treatment.

Anatomic and visual outcomes of scleral buckling versus primary vitrectomy in pseudophakic and aphakic retinal detachment: six-month follow-up results of a single operation--report no. 1

PURPOSE

To compare the anatomic and visual results and complications of conventional scleral buckling versus primary vitrectomy for management of pseudophakic and aphakic retinal detachment.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, multicenter clinical trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred twenty-five eyes of 225 patients with pseudophakic or aphakic retinal detachment.

INTERVENTION

Eligible eyes were assigned randomly either to conventional scleral buckling or primary vitrectomy without any buckle.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Visual results, retinal reattachment rate, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, macular pucker, cystoid macular edema, choroidal detachment, intraocular pressure, extraocular muscle dysfunction, and anisometropia.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 treatment groups regarding the single-operation retinal reattachment rate at the 1-, 2-, 4-, and 6-month follow-up examinations. Patients in the buckle group had 28% greater likelihood of anatomic success compared with those in the vitrectomy group (odds ratio, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.73-2.24), indicating no statistically significant difference. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy was the main cause of anatomic failure in both groups and occurred independent of the surgical technique used. Best-corrected visual acuity at the 1-, 2-, 4-, and 6-month postoperative follow-up examinations showed no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. Six months after surgery, 12.8% of eyes in the buckle group and 11.3% of eyes in the vitrectomy group achieved visual acuity of 20/40 or better. The difference between the 2 groups was not statistically significant. Corresponding figures were 66.3% and 64.5% for visual acuity of 20/200 or better in the buckle and vitrectomy groups, respectively, again with no statistically significant difference. There were no statistically significant differences in rates of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Scleral buckling and primary vitrectomy without an encircling band have comparable results in pseudophakic and aphakic retinal detachment. The choice of surgical technique depends on various factors, including patient compliance, cost of surgery, experience and capability of surgeons, and availability of appropriate instrumentation.

Primary vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: an analysis of 512 cases

BACKGROUND

Primary pars plana vitrectomy (PPPV) has gained widespread popularity in the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRD). However, the surgical procedure is still flawed by a significant rate of anatomical and functional failures. The study was conducted to analyse the risk factors for a dissatisfying postoperative outcome.

METHODS

We carried out a retrospective study of 512 cases of PPPV with a minimum follow-up of 3 months from one institution over a 9-year period. Preoperatively, 24.8% of patients (127 out of 512) were pseudophakic, 16.4% (84 out of 512) highly myopic, 19.9% (102 out of 512) had preoperative proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and 14.6% (75 out of 512) had vitreous haemorrhage.

RESULTS

The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 108 months (median 14.8). Retinal reattachment was achieved with one operation in 70.7% (362 out of 512) and after one or more operations in 97.5% of cases (499 out of 512). The major reasons for redetachments were new retinal breaks, followed by a combination of new breaks and PVR, and PVR without apparent breaks. Postoperative visual acuities of > or =0.1 and > or =0.4 were achieved in 82.8% (424 out of 512) and 48.2% (247 out of 512) respectively. Out of 376 phakic patients at study entry, 66.4% (250 out of 376) underwent cataract surgery either in combination with PPPV or during the postoperative course. Factors that were significantly associated with either anatomical or functional failure included duration of symptoms, low preoperative visual acuity, myopia, amblyopia, hypotony, macular detachment, preoperative PVR, extent of detachment, involvement of inferior quadrants, no detectable breaks, large breaks, breaks posterior to the equator, surgeon, level of surgical training, endocryotherapy, and combined scleral buckling surgery.

CONCLUSION

Primary pars plana vitrectomy is still flawed by a relatively high primary redetachment rate following the initial procedure. The advantages of the technique are a high final reattachment rate and relatively good functional results in a subset of patients with more complicated types of RRD. The risk factors for postoperative failures following PPPV for RRD match to a large extent those following scleral buckling surgery (SBS). Future improvements of the technique will have to focus on modifiable risk factors, such as details of the surgical procedures, surgical training and case selection, to distinguish it from SBS.

Pars Plana Vitrectomy Alone for the Management of Inferior Breaks in Pseudophakic Retinal Detachment without Facedown Position

OBJECTIVE

To introduce a new approach with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) alone and no facedown positioning in the management of pseudophakic retinal detachments (RDs) with inferior breaks.

DESIGN

Prospective noncomparative interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty consecutive pseudophakic eyes of 40 patients with rhegmatogenous RD with causative inferior breaks. INTERVENTION OR METHODS: All eyes underwent PPV alone, with air as tamponade and with no facedown position in the postoperative period. The supine position was used in some cases for 30 minutes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Postoperative primary and final anatomical outcome, visual acuity (VA), and complications.

RESULTS

Patients were observed for a minimum of 7 months (mean, 11.7). Primary retinal reattachment was obtained in 36 of 40 patients (90%). Final reattachment was obtained in 40 of 40 patients (100%). One patient (2.5%) developed proliferative vitreoretinopathy at the sixth week after surgery. Three patients (7.5%) redetached, presumably due to untreated breaks. Two patients (5%) developed a macular epiretinal membrane that required surgery. Mean preoperative best-corrected VA (BCVA) was 20/63 (range, hand movements [HM] to 20/20). Mean final BCVA was 20/33 (range, 20/200-20/20). Of the 16 eyes with a macula-attached rhegmatogenous RD, mean preoperative BCVA was 20/29 (range, 20/100-20/20). Mean postoperative BCVA was 20/30 (range, 20/60-20/20). Of the 24 eyes with macula-detached RDs, mean preoperative BCVA was 20/300 (range, HM to 20/40). Mean postoperative BCVA was 20/36 (range, 20/200-20/20). Visual acuity of 20/40 or better was seen in 17 of 24 eyes (70.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study provides evidence that the facedown posture after PPV is not necessary to achieve retinal reattachment in pseudophakic RD with inferior breaks.

Retinal detachment in south India-presentation and treatment outcomes

BACKGROUND

Although the presentation and treatment outcomes of retinal detachments in wealthy countries are well known, much less is known about retinal detachment in the developing world. This study reports the presentation and outcomes of 433 rhegmatogenous retinal detachments in South India.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis was undertaken of all operated cases of retinal detachment in a tertiary care centre, from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2000.

RESULTS

Retinal detachments were treated in 433 eyes of 417 patients; 67 (16.1%) patients were children below 16 years and 60 (14.4%) patients were blind (visual acuity <6/60). The duration of symptoms was over 1 month in 192 (46.6%) eyes and, in 376 (86.8%), the macula was detached at presentation. Referral diagnosis was incorrect in 69 (22.4%) eyes. Cataract surgery was the predisposing factor in 152 (35.1%) eyes. Primary surgery included pars plana vitrectomy procedures in 235 eyes (53.9%) and scleral buckling in 197 (45.8%). The retina was re-attached with one operation in 281 eyes (71%) and with one or more operations in 333 (87%). Visual acuity of 6/60 or better was achieved in 260 (67.7%) eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

The profile of retinal detachments in a tertiary eye care centre in south India includes many paediatric cases, late presentations and macula-off detachments, commonly related to cataract surgery. Despite complex pathology, two thirds of eyes regain useful vision after one or more surgical interventions.

Persistent foveal retinal detachment after successful rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery

PURPOSE

To describe the tomographic features of the neurosensory retina after successful rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

METHODS

We prospectively examined cross-sectional retinal images using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in 15 eyes of 15 consecutive patients (mean age, 46 years) who underwent scleral buckling surgery for treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. The retinas appeared reattached upon binocular stereoscopic indirect ophthalmoscopy. All eyes were examined at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The time from onset of subjective symptoms of retinal detachment to retinal surgery ranged from 4 to 66 days (mean, 14 days). The postoperative OCT findings and best-corrected visual acuity were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

The detached retinas appeared attached on ophthalmoscopy in all eyes 1 month postoperatively. OCT showed residual retinal detachment in four eyes (27%) at the fovea and in three eyes (20%) at the fovea and adjacent area. The remaining eight retinas (53%) were attached when examined tomographically. In six of the seven eyes with residual foveal detachment by OCT, the retinas reattached spontaneously up to 12 months postoperatively. The postoperative best-corrected visual acuity improved gradually during 12 postoperative months in all 15 eyes. A substantial increase in visual acuity occurred when the fovea reattached in the six eyes with residual detachment.

CONCLUSIONS

Foveal retinal detachment may persist after successful retinal detachment surgery in eyes in which the fovea appeared to be attached on ophthalmoscopy. The residual foveal detachment may explain, in part, the delayed visual acuity improvement after successful scleral buckling.