TWENTY-SEVEN-GAUGE VERSUS 25-GAUGE VITRECTOMY FOR PRIMARY RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT

Selective ILM Staining and Safety of Two Vital Dyes During a Human-Like Pars Plana Vitrectomy Ex Vivo in Porcine Eyes

PURPOSE

An ideal dye for intraocular use should effectively stain the target tissue while being easy to apply and remove. Additionally, it should not have any adverse effects resulting from prolonged contact with the retinal tissue. Recently, concerns have been raised about the safety of some vital dyes during surgical procedures as they may cross the internal limiting membrane and deposit on the retina. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether commercially available vital dyes, VIEW-ILM® and TWIN® (AL.CHI.MI.A. S.r.l., Ponte San Nicolò, Padova, Italy), have the potential to cross the internal limiting membrane during vitreoretinal surgery and deposit on the retina. Furthermore, we evaluated their safety in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

A human-like pars plana vitrectomy was performed on porcine eyes ex vivo, with VIEW-ILM® or TWIN® used to stain the internal limiting membrane either with or without subsequent internal limiting membrane peeling. The two dyes were then extracted from retinal punches with or without internal limiting membrane, and quantified using high performance liquid chromatography. Safety was evaluated through in vitro cytotoxicity tests and in vivo skin sensitization and irritation tests according to ISO standards.

RESULTS

High performance liquid chromatography analyses demonstrated that VIEW-ILM® and TWIN® effectively stained the internal limiting membrane without crossing the membrane. No residual dyes were found in the retinal layers after internal limiting membrane removal. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo safety tests confirmed the absence of cytotoxicity, skin sensitization, and irritation.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study support the safety and efficacy of VIEW-ILM® and TWIN® for internal limiting membrane staining. The experimental protocol described in this study could be utilized to gain a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of vital dyes.

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

PURPOSE

To compare the safety and performance clinical outcomes of the 27-gauge (G) two-dimensional cutting vitrectomy probe versus a standard 25-G probe for retinal procedures.

METHODS

In this large randomized prospective study, all candidates for epiretinal membrane or macular hole surgery were randomized to the 27-G group or 25-G group. Outcome measures included surgery time, changes in best-corrected distance visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and central macular thickness between baseline and 1-month and 3-month follow-up time points. Moreover, intraoperative and postoperative complications were evaluated as well as the rate of sutureless vitrectomy.

RESULTS

A total of 463 patients were included in this study, 227 patients in the 27-G group and 236 patients in the 25-G group. A similar total surgery time was found between both groups ( P = 0.0911). Similar best-corrected distance visual acuity and central macular thickness changes were observed between baseline and the 1-month and 3-month follow-up visits. No significant differences were reported in intraoperative and postoperative complications rates. The rate of sutureless vitrectomy was 96.5% for the 27-G group and 91.1% for the 25-G group ( P = 0.0170).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that 27-G vitrectomy probe is similar to 25-G probe in surgery time and complications, while decreasing the need for vitrectomy sutures.

Wound healing and postoperative management in paediatric patients following 27-Gauge Transconjunctival Sutureless Vitrectomy for vitreoretinal conditions

The utilization of 27-G TSV, or 27-Gauge Transconjunctival Sutureless Vitrectomy, poses distinct difficulties in the context of paediatric patients, particularly those younger than 14 years old, on account of the dearth of exhaustive documentation concerning the efficacy and results of these operations. Therefore, this retrospective study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 27-G TSV in paediatric patients, with emphasis on management of intraoperative and postoperative complications and postoperative wound healing. A total of 54 eyes of 52 paediatric patients who underwent 27-G TSV at Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital were included in the study. The average duration of follow-up was 9.32 ± 3.35 months. The complication with the highest incidence rate was Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment (RRD), which was detected in 27.8% cases. Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) and Persistent Fetal Vasculature (PFV) each accounted for 16.7% of the cases. Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) and Vitreous Haemorrhage (VH) constituted 11.1% and 14.8%, respectively, of the reported cases. Lens injury (1.9%), cannula slippage (7.4%) and wound leakage (5.6%) were intraoperative complications. Iatrogenic retinal detachment occurred at 3.7%. Hypotony (10.8% of patients), vitreous haemorrhage (9.3%), cataract formation (9.3%), ocular hypertension (8.1%) and retinal detachment (5.6%) were postoperative complications. Effective management strategies were executed, such as performing in situ trocar puncture to address cannula slippage and promptly suturing to address wound leakage. 27-G TSV exhibited promise as the therapeutic alternative for range of vitreoretinal disorders in paediatric patients, accompanied by complications that were controllable during and after the procedure. Strict preoperative planning and precise surgical technique are indispensable in order to maximize patient outcomes and guarantee effective wound healing and recovery within this particular demographic.

Small-Gauge Vitrectomy for Macular Surgery Using a Systematic Approach to Wound Closure: 27-Gauge vs 25-Gauge

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of and to compare vitrectomy performed with 25-gauge or 27-gauge instrumentation for macular surgery by assessing the surgical duration, wound closure, and complication rate using a systematic approach to wound closure. Methods: In this retrospective chart review, 125 25-gauge and 125 27-gauge consecutive small-gauge vitrectomy surgeries for epiretinal membrane, macular hole, vitreomacular adhesion, or a combination were analyzed during and immediately after surgery. Wound closure was performed using a systematic protocol. Results: Baseline characteristics were not statistically different between the 2 groups. The surgical duration was similar with 25-gauge vitrectomy and 27-gauge vitrectomy (P = .07). Although spontaneous wound closure was common in both groups, it was more common in the 27-gauge group (P = .22). Intraoperative and postoperative complications were uncommon in both groups. Conclusions: Findings show that 27-gauge vitrectomy is a safe, effective alternative to the more commonly used 25-gauge vitrectomy for macular surgery. Less manipulation was required to achieve wound closure with 27-gauge vitrectomy using a standardized wound-closure protocol. Smaller 27-gauge vitrectomy did not increase surgical time or complications over 25-gauge vitrectomy for macular surgery.

Comparison of 27-gauge beveled-tip and 25-gauge flat-tip microincision vitrectomy surgery in the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

To compare the effectiveness and safety of a 27-gauge (27G) beveled-tip microincision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) with a 25-gauge (25G) flat-tip MIVS for the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

METHODS

A prospective, single-masked, randomized, controlled clinical trial included 52 eyes (52 patients) with PDR requiring proliferative membrane removal. They were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to undergo the 27G beveled-tip and or 25G flat-tip MIVS (the 27G group and the 25G group, respectively). During surgery, the productivity of cutting the membrane, the number of vitrectomy probe (VP) exchanges to microforceps, total operation time, vitrectomy time and intraoperative complications were measured. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP) and postoperative complications were also assessed to month 6.

RESULTS

Forty-seven eyes (47 patients) completed the follow-up, including 25 in the 27G group and 22 in the 25G group. During surgery in the 27G group, cutting the membrane was more efficient (P = 0.001), and the number of VP exchanges to microforceps was lower (P = 0.026). The occurrences of intraoperative hemorrhages and electrocoagulation also decreased significantly (P = 0.004 and P = 0.022). There were no statistical differences in the total operation time or vitrectomy time between the two groups (P = 0.275 and P = 0.372), but the former was slightly lower in the 27G group. Additionally, the 27G group required fewer wound sutures (P = 0.044). All the follow-up results revealed no significant difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the 25G flat-tip MIVS, the 27G beveled-tip MIVS could be more efficient in removing the proliferative membrane while reducing the occurrence of intraoperative hemorrhages and electrocoagulation using appropriate surgical techniques and instrument parameters. Its vitreous removal performance was not inferior to that of the 25G MIVS and might offer potential advantages in total operation time. In terms of patient outcomes, advanced MIVS demonstrates equal effectiveness and safety to 25G flat-tip MIVS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The clinical trial has been registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT0544694) on 07/07/2022. And all patients in the article were enrolled after registration.

The Role of Preoperative Case Selection in the Training of Surgical Repair of Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Purpose

To analyse single-operation anatomical success (SOAS) of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair by junior vitreoretinal surgeons guided by preoperative individual case selection by an experienced mentor vitreoretinal surgeon.

Methods

Retrospective, single institute, observational study, included all patients who underwent standard pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) or combined encircling band (CB) and PPV and gas tamponade in the treatment of RRD from November 2021 to December 2022 were included. Preoperative selection for the surgery decision, whether standard PPV or combined CB & PPV was undertaken through the senior surgeon; according to the location and extensions of the RRD, number of retinal tears (RT) and lens status. We excluded patients with tractional retinal detachment, RD with proliferative vitreoretinopathy stage C, giant tears, trauma, previous scleral buckle, schisis RD and RD requiring silicone oil. The primary outcome measure was to evaluate the single-operation anatomic success (SOAS). Secondary outcome measures evaluated whether there was a statistical significant difference between both procedures.

Results

Eighty-two eyes were included in the study. Forty-five eyes were selected for combined CB&PPV and 37 eyes for standard PPV. SOAS was achieved in 40 eyes (88.8%) in combined group and 35 eyes (94.5%) in standard PPV group. There was no statistically significant difference in the success rate between both operations, p = 0.65.

Conclusion

Structured preoperative selection of standardized surgical techniques according to the degree of complexity of RD together with close supervision enables junior vitreoretinal surgeons in training to achieve re-attachment rates of more than 80% with both types of surgeries.

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

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

The Anatomical and Functional Outcomes of 27-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy in Diabetic Tractional Retinal Detachments in the South Asian Population

Objective The objective of this article was to report the clinical and surgical outcomes of diabetic tractional retinal detachment (TRD) with 27-gauge plus pars plana vitrectomy (27G+ PPV) Methods This is a retrospective, consecutive cohort study of 196 eyes of 176 patients that underwent 27G+ PPV for TRD from July 2015 to June 2019 at the ophthalmology department of Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad. The outcomes include primary and secondary anatomical attachment of the retina, best-corrected visual acuity, and post-operative complications. Results The mean age of the patients in this study was 55.3 ± 11.3 years. Out of 176 patients, there were 47.2% (n=83) females. The mean operating time calculated was 60 ± 36 min (range 22-130 min). Of 196 eyes, 64.3% (n=126) also combined phacoemulsification with lens implantation. Internal limiting membrane peeling was done in 11.7% (n=23) of the cases. Post-operatively, 98% (n=192) achieved primary retinal attachment, and 1.5% (n=3) underwent a second procedure to achieve retinal attachment. At three months follow-up, the mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) remarkably improved from 1.86 ± 0.59 to 0.54 ± 0.32 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) (p-value<0.001). Among complications, one patient had intra-operative suprachoroidal oil migration, which was managed successfully, while post-operatively, 11 patients (5.6%) developed a transient rise in intraocular pressure, which was controlled with anti-glaucoma drugs, and one patient had vitreous cavity hemorrhage which resolved on its own with time. Conclusion This study strongly suggests that the 27G+ PPV offers successful repair of eyes with diabetic TRD with statistically significant improvement in visual acuity and minimal rate of complications.

Design and Conduct of Randomized Clinical Trials Evaluating Surgical Innovations in Ophthalmology: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

Surgical innovations are necessary to improve patient care. After an initial exploratory phase, novel surgical technique should be compared with alternative options or standard care in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, surgical RCTs have unique methodological challenges. Our study sought to investigate key aspects of the design, conduct, and reporting of RCTs of novel surgeries.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

The protocol was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021253297). RCTs evaluating novel surgeries for cataract, vitreoretinal, glaucoma, and corneal diseases were included. Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched. The search period was January 1, 2016, to June 16, 2021.

RESULTS

A total of 52 ophthalmic surgery RCTs were identified in the fields of glaucoma (n = 12), vitreoretinal surgery (n = 5), cataract (n = 19), and cornea (n = 16). A description defining the surgeon's experience or level of expertise was reported in 30 RCTs (57%) and was presented in both control and intervention groups in 11 (21%). Specification of the number of cases performed in the particular surgical innovation being assessed prior to the trial was reported in 10 RCTs (19%) and an evaluation of quality of the surgical intervention in 7 (13%). Prospective trial registration was recorded in 12 RCTs (23%) and retrospective registration in 13 (25%); and there was no registration record in the remaining 28 (53%) studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Important aspects of the study design such as the surgical learning curve, surgeon's previous experience, quality assurance, and trial registration details were often missing in novel ophthalmic surgical procedures. The Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, Long-term follow-up (IDEAL) framework aims to improve the quality of study design.

27-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery compared with 25-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery on wound closure and need for wound suture and other postoperative parameters in the treatment of vitreoretinal disease: A meta-analysis

We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of 27-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery compared with 25-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery on wound closure and the need for wound suture and other postoperative parameters in the treatment of vitreoretinal disease. A systematic literature search up to June 2022 was performed and 1264 subjects with the vitreoretinal disease at the baseline of the studies; 562 of them were using the 27-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery, and 722 were using 25-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery. Odds ratio (OR), and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the effect of 27-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery compared with 25-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery on wound closure and the need for wound suture and other postoperative parameters in the treatment of vitreoretinal disease using the dichotomous, and contentious methods with a random or fixed-effect model. The 27-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery subjects had a significantly lower intraoperative and postoperative wound complication (OR, 6.66; 95% CI, 0.46-0.95, P = .02), and wound suture number (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.20-0.71, P = .002), and best corrected visual acuity (MD, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.05 to -0.001, P = .02) compared with 25-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery in subjects with vitreoretinal disease. However, 27-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery subjects had no significant difference in the wound closure time (MD, -8.45; 95% CI, -23.44 to 6.55, P = .27), operation time (MD, 0.85; 95% CI, -1.17 to 2.86, P = .41), intraocular pressure at postoperative day 1 (MD, 0.42; 95% CI, -1.45-2.28, P = .66), primary anatomical success rate (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.42-1.63, P = .58), and central macular thickness (MD, 1.81; 95% CI, -21.76 to 25.37, P = .88) compared to 25-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery in subjects with vitreoretinal disease. The 27-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery subjects had a significantly lower intraoperative and postoperative wound complication, wound suture number, and best corrected visual acuity, and no significant difference in the wound closure time, operation time, intraocular pressure at postoperative day 1, primary anatomical success rate, and central macular thickness compared to 25-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery in subjects with vitreoretinal disease. The analysis of outcomes should be with caution because of the low sample size of 12 out of 15 studies in the meta-analysis and a low number of studies in certain comparisons.

Advances in biomaterials as a retinal patch for the repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is the most common retinological emergency that can cause blindness without surgical treatment. RRD occurs when liquefied vitreous accumulates between the neurosensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium via retinal breaks, which are caused by the separation of the vitreous from the retina with aging. Currently, the main treatment option is pars plana vitrectomy, which involves surgical removal of the vitreous and laser photocoagulation around retinal breaks to generate firm chorioretinal adhesion, as well as subsequent filling of the vitreous cavity with long-lasting substitutes (expansile gas or silocone oil) to prevent the connection between the subretinal space and the vitreous cavity via the breaks before the chorioretinal adhesion firm enough. However, the postoperative face-down position and the not very satisfactory first retinal reattachment rate place a heavy burden on patients. With the development of technology and materials engineering, researchers have developed biomaterials that can be used as a retinal patch to seal retinal breaks and prevent the connection of subretinal space and vitreous cavity via breaks, thus replacing the long-lasting vitreous substitutes and eliminating the postoperative face-down position. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that biomaterial sealants have enough biocompatibility and efficacy in the in vitro and in vivo experiments. Some sealants have been used in clinical trials on a small scale, and the results indicate promising application prospects of the biomaterial sealants as retinal patches in the repair of RRD. Herein, we review the recent advances in biomaterials as retinal patches for the repair of RRD, focusing on the biomaterial categories, methods, and procedures for sealing retinal breaks, as well as their biocompatibility and efficacy, current limitations, and development perspectives.

Biocompatibility and Efficacy of a Linearly Cross-Linked Sodium Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel as a Retinal Patch in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repairment

To prevent the migration of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells into the vitreous cavity through retinal breaks after the pars plana vitrectomy for the repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), sealing retinal breaks with an appropriate material appears to be a logical approach. According to a review of ocular experiments or clinical trials, the procedure for covering retinal breaks with adhesives is complex. A commercially available cross-linked sodium hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel (Healaflow®) with the injectable property was demonstrated to be a perfect retinal patch in RRD clinical trials by our team. Based on the properties of Healaflow®, a linearly cross-linked sodium HA hydrogel (HA-engineered hydrogel) (Qisheng Biological Preparation Co. Ltd. Shanghai, China) with the injectable property was designed, whose cross-linker and cross-linking method was improved. The purpose of this study is to report the characteristics of an HA-engineered hydrogel using Healaflow® as a reference, and the biocompatibility and efficacy of the HA-engineered hydrogel as a retinal patch in the rabbit RRD model. The HA-engineered hydrogel exhibited similar dynamic viscosity and cohesiveness and G′ compared with Healaflow®. The G′ of the HA-engineered hydrogel varied from 80 to 160 Pa at 2% strain under 25°C, and remained constantly higher than G″ over the range of frequency from 0.1 to 10 Hz. In the animal experiment, clinical examinations, electroretinograms, and histology suggested no adverse effects of the HA-engineered hydrogel on retinal function and morphology, confirming its favorable biocompatibility. Simultaneously, our results demonstrated the efficacy of the HA-engineered hydrogel as a retinal patch in the RRD model of rabbit eyes, which can aid in the complete reattachment of the retina without the need for expansile gas or silicone oil endotamponade. The HA-engineered hydrogel could play the role of an ophthalmologic sealant due to its high viscosity and cohesiveness. This pilot study of a small series of RRD models with a short-term follow-up provides preliminary evidence to support the favorable biocompatibility and efficacy of the HA-engineered hydrogel as a promising retinal patch for sealing retinal breaks in retinal detachment repair. More cases and longer follow-up studies are needed to assess its safety and long-term effects.

Ex vivo evaluation of retinal cytotoxicity after the use of multiple medical devices in pars plana vitrectomy in porcine eyes

This study aimed to evaluate viability of retinal cells after the use of multiple intraoperative devices, namely a vitreal dye (triamcinolone acetonide,TA), a ERM/ILM dye (solution of trypan blue 0.15% and brilliant blue 0.025%), and two intraocular tamponades, namely perfluoro-n-octane, (PFO) and silicone oil (SO 1000 cSt), with minimal and maximal removal of their residues, during a simulated pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in porcine eyes ex-vivo. The in vitro cytotoxicity of each of these compounds was verified on ARPE-19 cells by direct tests according to the ISO 10993-5 (2009). Pars plana vitrectomy was performed on 25 enucleated porcine eyes divided in five groups according to the following conditions: Group A) No surgery control: eye bulbs were kept at room temperature for 40 min; Group B) Sham surgery: PPV with the sole use of BSS for 40 min; Group C) Cytotoxic control: PPV with BSS infusion (20 min) followed by intravitreal injection of 1H-PFO (contact time: 20 min); Group D) Surgery with residues: PPV with BSS infusion and sequential intravitreal injection of TA, ERM/ILM dye, PFO and SO, with minimal removal of each compound after a specified contact-time (overall duration: 40 min); Group E) Surgery with minimal residues: PPV performed as in group D, but with maximal removal of each compound (overall duration: 40 min). All the experimental procedures were performed at room temperature. Immediately after surgery, the retina was extracted from each eye bulb and samples of 3-mm diameter were prepared. Retinal viability was determined for each sample by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. A cell viability <70% was considered the cytotoxicity threshold. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to evaluate the differences in retinal viability between groups. No cytotoxicity was detected in retinal samples in groups A, B and E. Samples from eye bulbs that had undergone surgery with minimal removal of residues (group D) and cytotoxic controls (group C) showed high retinal cytotoxicity. The tested conditions indicated that the combined use of TA, ERM/ILM dye, PFO and SO during PPV does not affect retinal cells viability if all the devices are properly removed, whereas the cytotoxicity detected in group D may suggest that the presence and accumulation of the residues of the compounds used intraoperatively could negatively impact retinal viability due to a cumulative and/or synergistic cytotoxic effect between them, supporting the crucial role of an optimal removal of the intraoperative medical devices to ensure a safe vitrectomy to the patient.

Reporting of Complications in Retinal Detachment Surgical Trials: A Systematic Review Using the CONSORT Extension for Harms

IMPORTANCE

Knowledge on the frequency and severity of complications in surgical trials for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is essential to determine whether surgical procedures are developed and compared adequately, taking into account not only efficacy but also harms.

OBJECTIVE

To review standards of reporting of complications in recent randomized clinical trials of RRD surgery.

EVIDENCE REVIEW

This systematic review included randomized clinical trials on RRD surgery published between January 2008 and January 2021 in Embase, MEDLINE, and Web of Science Core Collection databases. Titles, abstracts, and full-text articles retrieved were reviewed for eligibility by 2 independent authors. Eligible studies were evaluated against checklist items from the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials Extension for Harms criteria by 2 independent authors, and discrepancies were resolved by discussion with a third author.

FINDINGS

Fifty studies were included. The median number of checklist items fulfilled was 8 (range, 0-15), of a possible total of 18. Frequently reported items were discussions balanced with regard to efficacy and adverse events (42 studies [84%]) and inclusions of harm-associated timing of data collection (41 studies [82%]). The least frequently reported items were distinctions between expected and unexpected adverse events (1 study [2%]) and mentions of the use of a validated instrument to report adverse event severity (4 studies [8%]). Frequency of complications was commonly reported (29 studies [58%]) in contrast with complication severity (10 studies [20%]).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This review suggests that severity of complications of RRD surgery has been infrequently quantified and reported in randomized clinical trials and potentially represents an important area of improvement in future RRD surgical trials.

INCIDENCE AND RISK FACTORS FOR HYPOTONY AFTER 25-GAUGE PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY WITH NONEXPANSILE ENDOTAMPONADE

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence and risk factors for early postoperative hypotony after 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with nonexpansile endotamponade.

METHODS

A retrospective study of consecutive patients who underwent 25-G pars plana vitrectomy. Hypotony was defined as an intraocular pressure of 5 mmHg or less after surgery and ocular hypertension as an intraocular pressure greater than 21 mmHg.

RESULTS

Overall, 307 eyes of 307 patients with a mean age of 61.7 ± 14.3 of which 56.7% were males were included. Hypotony was identified in 5.2% of cases (n = 16) at Day 1 and 0.7% (n = 2) at Week 1 with no hypotony-related complications. The hypotony group had a higher number of previous vitreoretinal surgeries (1.5 ± 1.1 vs. 0.4 ± 0.7, P < 0.001) and a higher prevalence of preoperative ocular hypertension (22.2% vs. 4.8%, P = 0.02), pseudophakia (77.8% vs. 48.4%, P = 0.01), silicone oil removal (61.1% vs. 8.3%, P < 0.001), and external diathermy performed (55.6% vs. 20.1%, P = 0.001). In stepwise multivariate analysis, significant parameters were silicone oil removal (R = 16.34%, odds ratio 13.45, P < 0.001), pseudophakia (R = 5.69%, odds ratio 3.65, P = 0.03), and younger age (R = 2.68%, odds ratio 0.96, P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Silicone oil removal is a significant risk factor for early postoperative hypotony after 25-G pars plana vitrectomy.

Experimental assessment of the performance of vitreous cutters with fluids with different rheological properties

PURPOSE

To assess the influence of rheological properties of an artificial vitreous (AV) on the performance of double-blade (DB) and single-blade (SB) guillotine vitreous cutters, with 23-, 25-, and 27-gauge (G) probes.

METHODS

We evaluate the aspiration flow rate, using an optical method, based on image processing. Experiments are conducted using ten viscoelastic vitreous phantoms, with different properties that are measured with rheological tests.

RESULTS

Aspiration rate strongly varies with fluid properties. Regardless of cutter geometry and operational conditions, the flow rate significantly decreases as vitreous viscosity and elasticity increase.

CONCLUSIONS

All tested vitreous probes are very sensitive to changes in fluid rheology. SB cutters produce smaller flow rates compared with DB ones of the same caliber; however, they are less sensitive to fluid properties at low aspiration pressures. The use of vitreous substitutes for test performance guarantees comparability between flow rate results achieved with different vitrectomy systems operating in different media. This outcome is further confirmed by the low values of estimated flow rate relative errors.

25 vs. 27-gauge micro-incision vitrectomy surgery for visually significant macular membranes and full-thickness macular holes: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

To evaluate visual and safety outcomes for 25-gauge (25G) and 27-gauge (27G) micro-incision vitrectomy platforms (MIVS) for the treatment of epiretinal membrane and full-thickness macular holes.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent internal limiting membrane (ILM) peel surgery from January 2017 through December 2018. 207 cases met the eligibility criteria for inclusion. Primary endpoint was post-operative Best-Corrected Distance Visual Acuity (BCVA) at 6 months.

RESULTS

For all patients combined, mean logMAR BCVA improved from 0.57 (± 0.40) to 0.37 (± 0.36) post-operatively (p < 0.001). For 25G ERMs, logMAR BCVA improved from 0.51 (± 0.28) to 0.30 (± 0.25) post-operatively (p < 0.001). For 27G ERMs, logMAR BCVA improved from 0.33 (± 0.28) to 0.28 (± 0.27) post- operatively (p = 0.15). For 25G FTMHs, logMAR BCVA improved from 0.87 (± 0.48) to 0.51 (± 0.44) post-operatively (p < 0.001). For 27G FTMHs, logMAR BCVA changed from 0.89 (± 0.47) to 0.96 (± 0.60).

CONCLUSION

Final visual outcomes improved for both 25G and 27G ERM groups and the 25G FTMH group. Both 25G and 27G were safe and well tolerated MIVS platforms for the treatment of ERM and FTMH.

Comparison of 27-Gauge and 25-Gauge Microincision Vitrectomy Surgery for the Treatment of Vitreoretinal Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of 27-gauge (27-G) microincision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) compared with 25-guage (25-G) MIVS for the treatment of vitreoretinal disease.

METHODS

A systematic electronic search was conducted in March 2020 in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library. Eligible criteria for including studies were controlled trials comparing 27-G vitrectomy with 25-G vitrectomy in patients with vitreoretinal disease. The main outcomes included operation time; best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in logMAR; postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP); primary anatomical success rate for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) cases and postoperative central macular thickness (CMT) for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) cases; intraoperative/postoperative complications. Odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) were synthesized under fixed or random effects models.

RESULTS

Eleven studies enrolling 940 eyes were identified. Among those 11 studies, six studies were on the treatment of RRD and five studies were on the treatment of ERM, so subgroup analyses were conducted. The total pooled results indicated that 27-G surgery system had obvious advantages in improving BCVA at six months after the vitrectomy (P = 0.004) and reducing intraoperative/postoperative complications (P = 0.03). However, the mean operation time was significantly longer by three minutes for 27-G compared with 25-G vitrectomy (P = 0.002). In subgroup analyses, for the treatment of ERM cases, 27-G group was associated with less complications and longer operation time. However, for the treatment of RRD cases, 27-G groups and 25-G groups were comparable in operation time, postoperative BCVA, postoperative IOP, and primary anatomical success rate.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis confirmed that 27-G MIVS was an effective and safe surgical system compared with 25-G MIVS for the treatment of RRD and ERM cases, even though 27-G system needs a longer surgical time.

Clinical comparison of 27-gauge and 23-gauge instruments on the outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy surgery for the treatment of vitreoretinal diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To compare outcomes of 27-gauge and 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for treatment of vitreoretinal diseases.

RECENT FINDINGS

Sixty-eight patients undergoing microincisional PPV for treatment of vitreoretinal diseases were randomized 1 : 1 to 27-gauge or 23-gauge surgery with a 7500 cuts-per-minute vitrectomy probe. The most common reasons for vitrectomy were epiretinal membrane (49%) and vitreous hemorrhage (24%). Mean ± standard deviation (SD) changes from immediate preoperative to immediate postoperative intraocular pressure were -0.40 ± 6.60 mmHg in the 27-gauge and -3.05 ± 7.64 mmHg in the 23-gauge group (adjusted mean difference 2.42 mmHg, 95% lower confidence limit 0.64, P = 0.013), but these changes were not associated with primary reason for vitrectomy (P = 0.065). Mean ± SD conjunctival edema grades in the 27-gauge and 23-gauge groups 1 week after surgery were 0.02 ± 0.124 and 0.10 ± 0.246, respectively (least squares mean difference -0.09, 95% upper confidence limit -0.03, P = 0.004), and were 0.01 ± 0.122 and 0.12 ± 0.338, respectively, at the probe incision site. Conjunctival edema grades were similar in both groups at 1 and 3 months. Mean ± SD pain ratings on postoperative day 1 - an indicator of patient comfort - were similar in the two groups.

SUMMARY

Smaller diameter vitrectomy instruments are associated with smaller reductions in immediate postoperative intraocular pressure.

One-year outcomes of 27-gauge versus 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair

Background

27-gauge (27G) and 25-gauge (25G) transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV) were considered equal about safety, effectiveness and vitrectomy time for the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), although larger and long-term comparative studies are needed to confirm previous knowledge. Furthermore, a combined comparison of time duration of surgery and vitreous removal was never performed. Our purpose was to compare the safety and efficacy of 27G versus 25G TSV for the treatment of uncomplicated RRD over a 1-year follow-up.

Methods

A 12-months single-center prospective, randomized, interventional study of 92 consecutive patients was performed. 46 patients underwent 27G TSV (Group 1) and 46 underwent 25G TSV (Group 2). Primary outcomes were primary and final reattachment rate, and final functional success (visual acuity ≥ 20/200, 1 LogMar). Secondary outcomes were the surgical and vitrectomy time. Complications were recorded.

Results

All functional and morphologic data at baseline and at all follow-up time points up to 12 months after surgery were available for only 88 patients. Four patients in Group 1 dropped out of the study after surgery. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Primary and final reattachment rates were 90.5% and 100% in Group 1, and 95.6% and 100% in Group 2, respectively (p > .05, p > .05, respectively). Visual acuity improved from 1.5 ± 1.09 LogMar to 0.38 ± 0.55 LogMar in Group 1 (p < .001) and 1.2 ± 0.9 LogMar to 0.49 ± 0.53 LogMar in Group 2 (p < .001), without significant difference between the groups (p > .05). The surgical time was 73.2 ± 11.3 min with 27G TSV and 64.4 ± 9.5 min with 25G TSV (p = .0001). The vitrectomy time was 19.9 ± 3.8 min with 27G TSV and 20.8 ± 3.8 min with 25G TSV (p > .05). One single case of choroidal detachment occurred.

Conclusions

Reattachment rates, functional success and vitrectomy time were comparable between 27G and 25G TSV for RRD. Surgical time was significantly longer using 27G vitrectomy.

Clinical factors contributing to postoperative aqueous flare intensity after 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for the primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

PURPOSE

To investigate the perioperative clinical factors, which contribute to the postsurgical aqueous flare intensity (AFI) following 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (27GPPV) for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study.

METHODS

We performed retrospective analyses of the medical records of 47 eyes of 47 patients with primary RRD who had undergone 27GPPV with a wide-angle viewing system. AFI was measured preoperatively and 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after the surgery.

RESULTS

AFI was significantly increased 1 week after the surgery (p<0.01) and then decreased overtime. At 6 months after surgery it was still statistically significantly higher than preoperative AFI (p=0.03). There was no statistical difference between preoperative AFI and that at 12 months following surgery. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the number of retinal photocoagulations and the performance of scleral indentation had significant positive correlation with AFI at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months, and at 1 month and 3 months after the surgery, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative retinal photocoagulation and scleral indentation are probable causes of increased AFI after 27G PPV for RRD.

Comparative Study of 27-Gauge Versus 25-Gauge Vitrectomy With Air Tamponade in the Treatment of Myopic Foveoschisis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To compare the surgical outcome of 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with 25-gauge PPV and evaluate the efficacy of air tamponade for the treatment of myopic foveoschisis (MF).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty eyes of 60 consecutive patients were recruited to undergo vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, and air tamponade for treatment of MF. These eyes were divided into two groups: the 27-gauge group (n = 29) and the 25-gauge group (n = 31).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the mean operating time (P = .32), the mean time for vitrectomy (P = .20), and the suturing rate(P = .46) between the 27-gauge group and the 25-gauge group. At the final follow-up, anatomical resolution rate did not differ between the two groups (P = .65).

CONCLUSION

The 27-gauge vitrectomy system is as efficient and feasible as the 25-gauge system for the treatment of MF. Air tamponade can provide good postoperative anatomic resolution of MF. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2018;49:e135-e142.].

A Propensity-Score Matching Comparison between 27-Gauge and 25-Gauge Vitrectomy Systems for the Repair of Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Purpose

To compare the anatomical and visual results and complications of 27-gauge versus 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy for the management of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

Methods

A prospective, propensity score-matched 6-month study was performed. All patients underwent either 27-gauge or 25-gauge vitrectomy as the first surgical intervention and were followed up over a 6-month period, in order to evaluate anatomical success, change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and intraoperative and postoperative complications including intraocular pressure dysregulation.

Results

Propensity score matching resulted in two groups of 37 eyes each. All eyes completed a six-month follow-up. Baseline demographic and preoperative ocular characteristics showed no statistically significant difference between the two cohorts. The single operation success rate was 33/37 (89%) for 27-gauge cases and 34/37 (92%) for 25-gauge cases (p=0.7). The final anatomical success rate was 100% for each of the two cohorts. Mean BCVA change at the 6-month postoperative follow-up visit was −0.67 logMAR in the 27-gauge group and −0.71 logMAR in the 25-gauge group (p=0.9). Two patients in the 25-gauge group experienced transient hypotony after surgery.

Conclusion

No significant difference between 27-gauge and 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy for the repair of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was recorded in terms of reattachment rate, BCVA, intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Multiple subretinal fluid blebs after pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair

PURPOSE

To investigate the incidence of and clinical risk factors for multiple subretinal fluid (SRF) blebs after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).

METHODS

This study examined patients who underwent PPV (25- or 27-gauge) to repair a primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Clinical characteristics, including age, sex, axial length, symptom duration, and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), were compared between eyes with and without multiple SRF blebs. Intentional drainage retinotomy and cryotherapy use were also performed. Main outcome measures were the effect of these parameters on multiple SRF bleb incidence 1 month after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 108 eyes of 106 patients (76 men and 32 women; mean age = 58.9 ± 9.0 years) were included. Multiple SRF blebs were observed in 8 eyes (7.4%). Logistic regression analysis showed that creation of intentional drainage retinotomy and 27-gauge PPV are risk factors for the development of multiple SRF blebs. The number and size of blebs spontaneously decreased over time, and SRF had completely resolved in 5 eyes (62.5%) 1 year after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Multiple SRF blebs developed even after small gauge vitrectomy. The SRF did not affect postoperative BCVA and gradually absorbed without treatment.

Systemic Approach to Prevent Inadvertent Perfusion in Eyes with Extensive Choroidal Detachment, Suprachoroidal Fluid, and Hypotony During Pars Plana Vitrectomy

Introduction

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with extensive choroidal detachment (CD), suprachoroidal fluid (SCF), and lower intraocular pressure (IOP) markedly increase the difficulty of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) because it makes the insertion and placement of the trocar cannulas for PPV time-consuming and technically challenging. In this study, we developed a systemic approach that avoids the risks of sclerotomy or using a longer trocar to help in the safe placement of the trocar cannulas in order to prevent inadvertent fluid/air perfusion during PPV in RRD eyes with extensive CD, SCF, and hypotony.

Methods

This is a prospective case series study. Consecutive patients diagnosed with RRD with extensive CD, SCF, and hypotony were recruited. The main steps included injecting transconjunctival intravitreal fluid to increase IOP and enable the passive egress of SCF into the subconjunctival space, creating and broadening the inner opening for the trocar cannulas, transillumination with an endoillumination light pipe, and indentation of the infusion cannula to create maximum visual exposure of the inner segment and help peripheral shaving around the infusion tip. Main outcomes: the success rate of the infusion placement into the vitreous cavity, surgical duration, intra- and postoperative complications, and functional and anatomical outcomes.

Results

Thirty-eight patients (38 eyes) were included. The first-time success rate of cannula placement into the vitreous cavity was 100%, with a mean surgical duration of 8.5 ± 1.8 min. No intra- or postoperative complications related to the approach were observed. Significant vision improvement was noted in 68.4% (26/38) of the patients at the final follow-up. The primary and final retinal reattachment rates were 94.7% (36/38) and 100% (38/38), respectively.

Conclusion

This systemic approach is a feasible option to ensure the safe placement of trocar cannulas and prevent inadvertent perfusion during small-gauge PPV in RRD eyes with extensive CD, SCF, and hypotony, without the need for a draining sclerotomy, a longer trocar, or a sharp clearing of the cannula tip.

Surgical outcomes of 27-gauge and 25-gauge vitrectomy day surgery for proliferative diabetic retinopathy

PURPOSE

To compare postoperative outcomes of 27-gauge (G) and 25-G vitrectomy conducted as day surgery for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

METHODS

One hundred eighty-five consecutive PDR patients (185 eyes) who underwent primary vitrectomy (27-G in 64 eyes, 25-G in 121 eyes) were analyzed.

RESULTS

The 27-G and 25-G groups did not differ significantly in preoperative Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) score, age, or preoperative intraocular pressure. The proportions of simultaneous cataract surgery (27-G vs. 25-G: 59.4% vs. 62.4%) and air-filled eyes (76.6% vs. 85.1%) were not significantly different between two groups. Both groups showed significant improvement in ETDRS score at postoperative 1, 3, and 6 months (all, P < 0.0001). Mean gain in ETDRS score from baseline was apparently better in 27-G group than in 25-G group at 1, 3, and 6 months, but there were no significant differences (1 month: 20.3 vs. 13.1 letters, P = 0.0703; 3 months: 22.9 vs. 17.5 letters, P = 0.1561; 6 months: 24.3 vs. 19.3 letters, P = 0.3313). Operation time was apparently longer for 27-G vitrectomy, but there was no significant difference (54.0 vs. 51.1 min, P = 0.3676). The same was observed for postoperative intraocular pressure at postoperative day 1 (19.7 vs. 18.1 mmHg, P = 0.1353). Incidence of postoperative retinal detachment (1.6% vs. 0.8%) and reoperation due to vitreous hemorrhage (6.3% vs. 6.6%) was not different between two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The 27G system is as safe and as useful as the 25G system when used for PDR and can be expected to achieve earlier recovery of postoperative visual acuity.

Retrospective Comparison of 27-Gauge and 25-Gauge Microincision Vitrectomy Surgery with Silicone Oil for the Treatment of Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Aim

To retrospectively compare the safety and effectiveness of 27-gauge (27G) microincision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) with 25-guage (25G) MIVS for the treatment of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with silicone oil tamponade.

Methods

Ninety-two patients with RRD who underwent MIVS from May 1, 2015, to June 30, 2017, were included in this study. Fifty-eight eyes underwent 25G MIVS and 34 eyes underwent 27G MIVS. We analyzed the characteristics of the patients, surgical time, main clinical outcomes, and rate of complications.

Results

The mean surgical time was 56.7 ± 35.9 min for the 25G MIVS and 55.7 ± 36.1 min for the 27G MIVS, and there was no significant difference (P=0.894) between the two groups. The primary anatomical success rate after a single operation was 94.8% for 25G MIVS and 91.2% for 27G MIVS (P=0.666). Baseline and final visit best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were 1.9 ± 1.1 and 1.0 ± 0.8 in the 25G group, and 1.7 ± 1.0 and 1.1 ± 0.8 in the 27G group. Last visit BCVA increased significantly in both groups (P < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in terms of visual improvement ratio (>0.2 logMAR) between the two groups (P=0.173). No severe intraoperative complication was observed. Iatrogenic retinal breaks occurred in 2 eyes (3.4%) in the 25G group and 1 eye (2.9%) in the 27G group during the peripheral vitreous base shaving. The transient ocular hypertension (>25 mmHg) within postoperative week 1 was 25.9% in the 25G group and 11.8% in the 27G group (P=0.120).

Conclusions

This study found no significant anatomical or functional difference between 27G and 25G MIVS in the treatment of primary RRD. Therefore, 27G vitrectomy appears to be a safe and effective surgery for the treatment of primary RRD.

Perfluorocarbon Liquid Vs. Subretinal Fluid Drainage during Vitrectomy for the Primary Repair of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: A Comparative Study

PURPOSE

To compare the anatomical and functional results achieved with subretinal fluid drainage (SRFD) and perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) use in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) treated by primary pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).

METHODS

The study included 162 eyes of 162 patients who underwent PPV for RRD, either with PFCL (n = 108) or SRFD (n = 54). The two groups were matched in 2:1 ratio for age, gender, and lens status. Groups were compared for rates of retinal reattachment, visual improvement, and the occurrence of recurrent RRD and any other postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Both groups had a single surgery success rate of 90.7%, and 100% of retinas were reattached by the end of follow-up. Both groups had similar final VA (0.30 ± 0.39 logMAR in the SRFD group and 0.35 ± 0.44 in the PFCL group; p = 0.48) and degrees of visual improvement (0.64 ± 0.75 logMAR in the SRFD group and 0.59 ± 0.89 in the PFC group; p = 0.71). Complication rates were also similar between groups. The rate of additional interventions was higher (although not statistically significant) in the PFCL group than the SRFD group, due to cases of PFCL retention (4.6% vs. 1.8%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Both PFCL and SRFD achieved excellent results in terms of retinal reattachment and visual improvement, and have comparable safety profiles. A slightly higher rate of additional surgeries was found in the PFCL group. These findings indicate that PFCL are not necessary in routine PPV for RRD, as they do not improve the results achieved with SRFD and may be less cost-effective due to their higher price and potential for a higher rate of additional surgeries.

Comparison of 25- and 27-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy in Repairing Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Aim

To compare the anatomic and visual outcomes of 25-gauge (25G), and 27-gauge (27G) transconjunctival sutureless pars plana vitrectomy (TSV) for the management of primary rhegmatogeneous retinal detachment (RRD).

Design

A retrospective nonrandomized clinical trial.

Methods

A retrospective comparative analysis of 62 consecutive eyes from 62 patients with 6 months of follow-up was performed.

Results

Thirty-two patients underwent 25G TSV, and 30 patients underwent 27G TSV for the treatment of primary RRD. There was no significant difference in baseline demographic and preoperative ocular characteristics between the two groups. The initial and final anatomical success rates were 93.8% and 100% in 25G TSV and 96.7% and 100% in 27G TSV, respectively (p=1 and p=1, resp.). Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (logMAR) was 0.44 ± 0.69 and 0.38 ± 0.61 for 25G and 27G TSV, respectively (p=0.73). The final follow-up BCVA was 0.07 ± 0.25 and -0.02 ± 0.17 for 25G and 27G TSV, respectively (p=0.16). The final BCVA was significantly better than the preoperative BCVA in both groups (p=0.02 and p=0.002, resp.). Preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) (mmHg) was 13.0 ± 3.5 in 25G TSV and 14.3 ± 2.8 in 27G TSV (p=0.11). IOP did not statistically significantly change in both groups during the follow-up period (p=0.63 and p=0.21, resp.).

Conclusion

The 27G TSV system is safe and useful for RRD treatment as 25G TSV.

Novel and easy techniques for 27-gauge silicone oil infusion and removal

PURPOSE

To introduce novel and easy techniques for 27-gauge silicone oil (SO) infusion and removal.

METHODS

Consecutive patients treated with 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) plus SO infusion (Infusion Group) and scheduled to have SO removal (Removal Group) were prospectively included, respectively. Patients in Infusion Group underwent 27-gauge PPV plus SO infusion. SO infusion was performed with a 24-gauge intravenous catheter connected with the SO syringe. Patients in Removal Group underwent machine-independent SO removal using a short section of infusion tube connected with a 10-mL syringe. Main outcomes were best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, surgical time and intra- and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

There were thirty-five eyes (35 patients) and forty eyes (40 patients) included in Infusion and Removal Groups, respectively. Mean surgical time of complete SO infusion and removal was 5.5 ± 0.9 and 9.6 ± 2.1 min, respectively. In both groups, no patient experienced postoperative vision deterioration or hypotony. No obvious intra- and postoperative complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend the use of the 24-gauge catheter method for 27-gauge silicone oil infusion when commercial infusion cannula is unavailable. The machine-independent method using easily available plastic infusion tube and syringe would be an ideal option when 27-gauge surgery is anticipated.

Outcomes of transconjunctival sutureless 27-gauge vitrectomy for vitreoretinal diseases

AIM

To evaluate the safety and efficacy profile of 27-gauge (27G) pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for the treatment of various vitreoretinal diseases.

METHODS

The clinical outcomes of 61 eyes (58 patients) with various vitreoretinal diseases following 27G PPV were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Surgical indications included rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (n=24), full-thickness macular hole (n=12), diabetic retinopathy (n=11), vitreous hemorrhage (n=6), Eales disease (n=4), pathological myopia-related vitreous floater (n=2), and macular epiretinal membrane (n=2). The mean follow-up was 166.4±61.3d (range 98-339d). The mean logMAR best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 1.7±1.1 [0.02 decimal visual acuity (VA) equivalent] preoperatively to 1.2±1.0 (0.06 decimal VA equivalent) at the last postoperative visit (P<0.001). The mean operative time was 49.9min. With the exception of complicated cataract in one eye, no intraoperative complications were encountered. No case required conversion to conventional 20-, 23- or 25G instrumentation in all surgical maneuvers except for silicone oil infusion, which required a 25G oil injection syringe. Postoperative complications included transient ocular hypertension, vitreous hemorrhage, persistent intraocular pressure elevation, subconjunctival oil leakage, and recurrent retinal detachment. No cases of hypotony, endophthalmitis, and sclerotomy-related tears were observed.

CONCLUSION

The current results suggest that 27G PPV system is a safe and effective treatment for various vitreoretinal diseases. When learning to perform 27G PPV, surgeons may encounter a learning curve and should gradually expand surgical indications from easy to pathologically complicated cases.

Comparative Study of 27-Gauge versus 25-Gauge Vitrectomy for the Treatment of Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Purpose. To compare the vitrectomy time, clinical outcomes, and complications between 27-gauge (27-G) and 25-gauge (25-G) vitrectomy in patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (PRRD). Methods. Prospective, nonrandomized, comparative, interventional study. Forty consecutive patients with PRRD were recruited. Twenty patients underwent the 27-gauge procedure and twenty patients had the 25-gauge procedure. The main outcome measure of the study was the actual vitrectomy time. Results. The mean duration of vitreous removal was 23.2 min (SD 6.5) with 27-G vitrectomy and 19.6 min (SD 7.3) with 25-G vitrectomy, resulting in a difference of 3.6 min (95% confidence interval (95%CI): -8.0 to 0.8 mins, p = 0.11). Mean logMAR visual acuity improved from 1.70 ± 1.18 preoperatively to 0.12 ± 0.14 at final postoperative visit (p < 0.001) in the 27-G group and from 1.52 ± 1.15 preoperatively to 0.22 ± 0.30 at final postoperative visit (p < 0.001) in the 25-G group. The anatomical success rate after a single operation was 90.0% and 85.0% in the 27-G and in the 25-G groups (p = 0.63), respectively. Intraoperative iatrogenic retinal breaks (IRBs) occurred in 2 eyes in the 27-G group and 1 eye in the 25-G group. Conclusions. Twenty-seven-gauge vitrectomy may be a safe and effective surgery for the treatment of PRRD.