COMPLEX RETINAL DETACHMENT IN PHAKIC PATIENTS: Previtrectomy Phacoemulsification Versus Combined Phacovitrectomy

A pilot clinical study of complex rhegmatogenous retinal detachment treatment via foldable capsular buckle scleral buckling

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the feasibility of and identify problems in treating complex rhegmatogenous retinal detachment using foldable capsular buckle scleral buckling.

METHODS

This prospective clinical study enrolled five patients with complex rhegmatogenous retinal detachment treated with foldable capsular buckle scleral buckling at the 988th Hospital of People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Force, China. During the 24-week follow-up period, the patients underwent measurements of their best-corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp examination, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and visual field testing. Additionally, B-ultrasound and fundus photography of the patients' retinal reattachments helped evaluate the treatment's post-surgery efficacy. We determined the safety of foldable capsular buckle scleral buckling based on infection, eye pain, diplopia, elevated intraocular pressure, and other postoperative severe complications.

RESULTS

All five patients' complex rhegmatogenous retinal detachments were successfully treated and evaluated via B-ultrasound and fundus photography after surgery. Visual acuity was enhanced in four patients 24 weeks after surgery, while the remaining patients developed diplopia after surgery. No other complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study preliminarily determined that foldable capsular buckle scleral buckling is feasible for efficient and safe treatment of complex rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. These results support this surgery as a potential and novel alternative to current extraocular procedures for treating complex rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The prospective observational clinical study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board and Ethics Committee and registered at the clinical research center in the 988th Hospital of People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Force, China (9,882,019,000).

Clinical Outcomes of Combined Phacoemulsification With Intraocular Lens Placement and Microincision Vitrectomy in Adult Vitreoretinal Disease

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and clinical outcomes of combined phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) placement and microincision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) in adult patients with concomitant cataract and vitreoretinal disease.

Methods

A consecutive series of patients with comorbid vitreoretinal disease and cataract who had combined phacoemulsification with IOL placement and MIVS was retrospectively analyzed. The main outcome measures were visual acuity (VA) and intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Results

The analysis comprised 648 eyes of 611 patients. The median follow-up was 26.9 months (range, 12-60 months). The most common vitreoretinal pathology was intraocular tumor (53%). The best-corrected Snellen VA improved from 20/192 at baseline to 20/46 at the 12-month follow-up. The most frequent intraoperative complication was capsule tear (3.9%). The most common postoperative adverse events after 3 months of follow-up (mean, 24 months) were vitreous hemorrhage (3.2%) and retinal detachment (1.8%). No patient developed endophthalmitis.

Conclusions

Combined phacoemulsification with IOL placement and MIVS is a safe, effective technique to manage a broad range of vitreoretinal diseases in patients with significant cataract.

Simultaneous Management of Retinal Detachment and Aphakia with Pars Plana Vitrectomy, Silicone Oil Tamponade and Retropupillary Iris-Claw Intraocular Lens Implantation in These Cases

BACKGROUND

Marfan Syndrome is an autosomal dominant disease with multiple ocular abnormalities including ectopia lentis and a high incidence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). The management of RRD may be challenging in cases of aphakic patients with Marfan.

PURPOSE

To report on the management of four cases of simultaneous RRD and aphakia with vitrectomy, silicone oil tamponade, and retropupillary iris-claw intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in patients with Marfan that have been operated at the Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital between 2019 and 2020.

HISTORY AND SIGNS

Ages at presentation were 20, 30, 32, and 31 years, respectively. All patients had a history of extraction of a dislocated lens. None of the patients had a previous posterior vitrectomy. Two patients had records of previous measurements for IOL calculation by optical biometry (IOL Master, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany) about 1 year prior to the RRD development. In two cases, measurements for IOL calculation by optical biometry were based on the contralateral eye.

THERAPY AND OUTCOME

All patients underwent 23 G vitrectomy, peripheral iridotomy, and retropupillary iris-claw IOL. No intraoperative complications were encountered. All patients had silicone oil tamponade, one of which required heavy silicone oil. Silicone oil was removed 3 months following primary surgery. Minimum follow-up was 1 year. The single surgery anatomic success rate was 100%. All patients had visual acuity of at least 0.8 at the last follow-up (1.25, 1.0, 0.8, and 0.8 respectively). The targeted refractive results were accurately achieved in all four cases postoperatively. One patient presented ocular hypertension 2 weeks after surgery due to presumed steroid response and was managed conservatively. None of the patients had silicone oil migration into the anterior chamber.

CONCLUSION

Retropupillary iris-claw IOL implantation in cases of RRD and aphakia creates a barrier to tamponades from the posterior segment, effectively preventing them from entering the anterior segment of the eye. Therefore, the management of aphakia and retinal detachment with simultaneous vitrectomy and a retropupillary iris-claw IOL may be a successful strategy in reducing postoperative complications in patients with Marfan syndrome.

The impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on rhegmatogenous retinal detachment treatment patterns

Backgrounds

To describe changes in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgical procedures in Beijing during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of RRD patients was analyzed. Patients were divided into the COVID-19 pandemic group and pre-COVID-19 group according to their presentation. The presurgery characteristics, surgical procedures, and surgery outcomes were collected. The potential factors related to the choice of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) or scleral buckling (SB) were analyzed using logistic regression. The differences in the procedure choice under specific conditions were compared. Surgery outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

In the COVID-19 pandemic group, less patients received SB (27.8, 41.3%, p = 0.02) while more patients received PPV (72.2, 58.6%, p = 0.02); in patients who received SB, fewer patients received subretinal fluid drainage (45.4,75.7%, p = 0.01); in patients who received PPV, fewer patients received phacovitrectomy (7.0, 21.0%, p = 0.02). The choice of PPV was related to older age (1.03, p = 0.005), the presence of RRD with choroidal detachment (RRD-CD) (2.92, p = 0.03), pseudophakia (5.0, p = 0.002), retinal breaks located posterior to the equator (4.87, p < 0.001), macular holes (9.76, p = 0.005), and a presurgery visual acuity (VA) less than 0.02 (0.44, p = 0.03). Fewer phakia patients with retinal breaks located posterior to the equator (1/28, 11/30, p = 0.01) and fewer patients with chronic RRD and subretinal strand (1/9, 9/16, p = 0.03) received SB in the COVID-19 pandemic group. There were more patients with improved VA (55.7, 40.2%, p = 0.03) in the COVID-19 pandemic group. The overall single-surgery retinal attachment rate was similar in the two groups (94.9, 94.5%, p = 0.99).

Conclusions

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the main reason for the increased number of PPV in RRD treatment was that more complicated cases were presented. However, the surgeons were conservative in procedure choice in specific cases. The adjustments on RRD treatments lead to comparable surgery outcomes.

Efficacy of Intravitreal Dexamethasone After Combined Phacoemulsification and Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Diabetic Tractional Retinal Detachments

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and complications of intravitreal dexamethasone with simultaneous silicone tamponade after combined phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in severe diabetic tractional retinal detachments (TRDs). Methods: In this single center, prospective, randomized, and open labeled 2 parallel group study, patients who applied to our clinic due to diabetic TRD involving the macula with grade-3 and 4 cataracts were randomized to receive either simultaneous silicone tamponade and intravitreal dexamethasone (Group-1) or only silicone tamponade (Group-2). Primary outcome measurements were the incidence rate of retinal re-detachment and, proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) at sixth month, and anterior segment inflammation and posterior iris synechia at first and at sixth months. Results: We operated 22 eyes of 22 patients in Group-1 (PPV with dexamethasone implant) and 21 eyes of 21 patients in Group-2 (PPV without dexamethasone implant). The rate of re-detachment and PVR were significantly higher in the Group-2 compared with in Group-1 at sixth month (Group-1, 0/22, Group-2, 6/21 28.6%, P = 0.038). Anterior chamber fibrin exudation at first month was significantly superior in the Group-2 (Group-1, 0/22, Group-2, 8/21 38.0%, P = 0.021). Posterior iris synechia was more observed in the Group-2 at sixth month (Group-1, 0/22, Group-2, 7/21 33.3%, P = 0.029). Conclusions: Dexamethasone implant at the end of combined phacoemulsification and PPV with silicon oil tamponade in patients with diabetic TRD reduces retinal re-detachment, anterior chamber fibrin exudation and posterior iris synechia. This approach can be an alternative option in the treatment of diabetic TRD with coexisting cataracts.

The risk factors of the progression of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment on patients with the fourteen-day quarantine in the early period of COVID-19 outbreak

Backgrounds

The COVID-19 Pandemic has a great impact on hospitals and patients. The 14-day quarantine caused surgery of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) postponed. We aimed to explore the risk factors of RRD progression in a group of patients whose surgery was postponed during the top-level emergency response of COVID-19.

Methods

A retrospective case series. Medical records of all consecutive patients with a diagnosis of RRD who underwent a surgical treatment at Beijing Tongren Hospital’s retina service from February 16, 2020, to April 30, 2020 have been reviewed retrospectively. Medical history, symptoms, and clinical signs of progression of RRD were recorded. RRD progression was defined as the presence of either choroidal detachment or proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) progression during the quarantine period. Risk factors were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model, survival analysis, and logistic regression.

Results

Seventy-nine eyes of 79 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The median time from the patients’ presentation at the clinic to admission for surgery was 14 days (3–61 days). There were 70 cases (88.6%) who did not present to the hospital within 1 week of the onset of visual symptoms. There were 69 (87.3%) macular-off cases at the presentation and 27 (34.2%) cases combined with choroidal detachment. There were 49 (62.0%) cases with PVR B, 22 (27.8%) cases with PVR C, 4 (5.1%) cases with PVR D, and 4 (5.1%) cases with anterior PVR. After the 14-day quarantine, 21 (26.6%) cases showed RRD progression, and 9 cases showed RRD regression at the time of surgery. Neither the time of onset of the visual symptom (p = 0.46) nor the time between presentation and admission (p = 0.31) was significantly different between the patients with RRD progression and patients without RRD progression. The combination of choroidal detachment (3.07, 1.68-5.60, p<0.001) and retinal breaks located posterior to the equator (3.79, 1.21-11.80, p=0.02) were factors related to the progression of RRD.

Conclusions

In our study during the COVID-19 outbreak, the RRD progression risk factors included a combination of choroidal detachment and retinal breaks posterior to the equator. Ophthalmologists should schedule the surgeries for RRD patients with these signs as soon as possible.

Combined versus Sequential Phacoemulsification and Pars Plana Vitrectomy: A Meta-Analysis

TOPIC

It is unclear whether differences exist in efficacy and safety between combined versus sequentially performed phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy (phaco-PPV).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy and incidence of complications between these surgical methods.

METHODS

Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched for articles reporting the efficacy and safety of combined versus sequential phaco-PPV for any indication. The primary outcomes were postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and mean absolute refractive error from target (RET). Secondary outcomes included efficacy outcomes and postoperative complications. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model in all cases. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool for randomized trials and ROBINS-I tool for observational studies.

RESULTS

Of the 5410 articles identified, 1 randomized controlled trial and 14 comparative studies were included, with 1407 and 951 eyes in the combined and sequential surgery groups, respectively. Mean age was 62.71 ± 6.16 years and 44% (range, 32.1%-70%) of eyes were from men. The mean baseline BCVA was 0.88 ± 0.59 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution units (Snellen equivalent, 20/152). The meta-analysis showed no significance between groups in postoperative mean BCVA (P = 0.76) and mean absolute RET (P = 0.46). The risks of synechiae formation (risk ratio [RR], 2.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.83-4.11; P < 0.001), fibrin formation (RR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.84-4.30; P < 0.001), and intraoperative or postoperative retinal detachment (RR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.08-6.47; P = 0.03) were significantly higher after combined surgery. However, the risks of posterior capsular tear (RR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.25-0.73; P = 0.002) and macular hole nonclosure or reopening (RR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.03-0.93; P = 0.04) were significantly lower in the combined group.

DISCUSSION

No significant differences were found in visual and refractive outcomes between combined and sequential phaco-PPV, whereas differences existed in certain safety outcomes. These conclusions remain preliminary, as most evidence is derived from low- to moderate-quality retrospective studies. Given the variability in outcome reporting and associated heterogeneity, future randomized controlled trials are needed.

Outcomes of simultaneous vs. sequential pars plana vitrectomy and cataract surgery

The coexistence of cataract and vitreoretinal diseases is common in clinical practice. The technological achievements of the last decade in both types of surgeries, allow simultaneous interventions on lens and retina. This retrospective study assessed the morphofunctional results obtained after performing simultaneous surgeries in a series of 87 patients presenting with both pathologies. The cases were retrospectively reviewed from their clinical records from 2017 to 2019. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 comprising 41 cases underwent the combined procedure and group 2 comprising 46 patients underwent vitrectomy, followed by cataract surgery after 3-10 months. The functional and anatomical outcomes and the complications were assessed pre- and post-operatively. The statistical analysis was carried out by MaxStat software. The final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), in group 1 was <0.1 in 4.88% of the cases, 0.1 to 0.3 in 17.07%, 0.3 to 0.5 in 51.22% and >0.5 in 26.83% eyes. In group 2, the final BCVA, after both surgeries were completed was <0.1 in 8.7% cases, 0.1 to 0.3 in 30.43%, 41.3% were 0.3 to 0.5 and 19.57% were >0.5. During the cataract surgery, the most common intraoperative complication was miosis, followed by posterior capsule rupture. Postoperative, 12.2% cases from group 1 developed an immediate inflammatory reaction in the anterior chamber, and 17.07% presented with posterior capsular opacification (PCO). Simultaneous surgery is safe and effective in obtaining a good morphological and functional result and offers the advantage of a clear eye media that allows a safer vitrectomy and thus a quicker rehabilitation of the patient. The analysis of the risks and benefits of each procedure should be taken into account and the cases selected individually for either simultaneous or sequential surgery in order to obtain the best outcomes.

Vitreoretinal Surgery in the Post-Lockdown Era: Making the Case for Combined Phacovitrectomy

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly limited the capacity of healthcare systems to provide elective services like cataract surgery. Cataract formation is a frequent complication after pars plana vitrectomy. In this paper, we review the pros and cons of combined phacovitrectomy as opposed to sequential surgery in the post-pandemic era. In particular, we discuss the patient-level visual benefits and societal economic advantages of this procedure.

Outcome and Complications of Combined Phacoemulsification and 23-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy

Background

With the advances in surgical tools, simultaneous removal of cataract associated with vitreoretinal disorders is gaining popularity. This combined surgery offers several advantages besides limitations. The aim of this study is to assess the outcome and complications of phacoemulsification combined with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).

Patients and Methods

In this retrospective review, medical charts of patients undergoing phacovitrectomy for coexisting cataract and various vitreoretinal disorders were analyzed. Patient demographics, retinal diagnosis, visual acuities (VA) in logMAR, intraocular pressure (IOP), intraoperative and postoperative complications were assessed. Clear corneal phacoemulsification and 23-gauge transconjunctival PPV were administered in all cases.

Results

Eighty-four eyes of 64 (76.2%) males and 20 (23.8%) females were enrolled. The average age of patients was 59.5 ± 13.8 (18–81). The average period of follow-up was 7.2 ± 7.5 months (1–36). The vitreoretinal diagnoses were as follows: 28 (33.3%) rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, 23 (27.4%) vitreous hemorrhage, 12 (14.3%) intraocular foreign body, 12 (14.3%) epiretinal membrane, 4 (4.8%) macular hole, 4 (4.8%) tractional retinal detachment, and 1 (1.2%) vitreomacular traction. The most common intraoperative complications were miosis and rupture of the posterior capsule (92.9% and 8.3%, respectively). In 8 (9.5%) cases, there was fibrin in the anterior chamber. Posterior synechia developed in 7 (8.3%) of cases. No severe increase in intraocular pressure was evident.

Conclusion

Phacoemulsification combined with PPV is a safe and efficient way of management in cases where cataract coexists with vitreoretinal pathologies.

Corneal Subbasal Nerve Density and Sensitivity After Pars Plana Vitrectomy Using Contact or Noncontact Wide-Angle Viewing Systems

PURPOSE

To assess corneal subbasal nerve density (SBND) and corneal sensitivity (CS) after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) without intraoperative 360-degree laser treatment using contact or noncontact panoramic viewing systems.

METHODS

This is a prospective study of 34 eyes affected by RRD, which underwent PPV using contact (18 eyes) and noncontact (16 eyes) panoramic viewing systems; 12 eyes which underwent scleral buckling, and 17 eyes which underwent cataract surgery. SBND and CS were assessed before surgery and 3 and 6 months postoperatively by in vivo confocal microscopy and Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometry.

RESULTS

Compared with baseline values, at 6 months, SBND and CS decreased in both contact PPV (SBND preoperative value: 19.1 ± 3.7 mm/mm; SBND postoperative value: 3.5 ± 1.3 mm/mm; CS preoperative value: 5.1 ± 0.5 cm; CS postoperative value: 1.5 ± 0.4 cm) and in noncontact PPV groups (SBND preoperative value: 19.5 ± 3.8 mm/mm; SBND postoperative value: 8.7 ± 2.3 mm/mm; CS preoperative value: 5.3 ± 0.5 cm; CS postoperative value: 2.5 ± 0.7 cm) (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). SBND reduction was greater in the contact PPV group than in the noncontact PPV group (P < 0.001). By contrast, the scleral buckling and cataract surgery group values were unchanged (P > 0.1 for all comparisons). In multivariate analysis, no significant effect was found for cataract surgery associated with PPV, pseudophakia, surgical time, intraocular pressure, or for laser in horizontal sectors for PPV groups. SBND was highly correlated with CS (r = 0.93).

CONCLUSIONS

A contact viewing system reduces SBND after PPV more than a noncontact system does.

Vitrectomy without prone positioning for rhegmatogenous retinal detachments in eyes with inferior retinal breaks

Purpose

To compare the anatomic and functional outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for treating rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs) between two groups with and without postoperative prone positioning.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 142 eyes of 142 patients with a primary RRD. All patients underwent PPV with 20% sulfur hexafluoride gas tamponade and were divided into two groups: the groups that did and did not maintain a prone position postoperatively. All patients were followed for more than 3 months. The main outcome measures were the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), retinal reattachment rate, and postoperative complications.

Results

Sixty-five eyes were included in the prone position group and 77 eyes in the group without prone positioning; the respective initial reattachment rates were 83.1% and 96.1%, a difference that reach significance (p = 0.011). In the eyes with inferior breaks, the initial reattachment rate was 94.7% (18 eyes) without prone positioning, which was significantly (p = 0.036) better than the 60% (6 eyes) initial reattachment rate in the group with prone positioning. In the eyes without inferior breaks, there was no significant difference in the initial reattachment rates between the two groups. The BCVAs at the 3-month postoperative visit did not differ significantly between the two groups. An epiretinal membrane (ERM) was observed postoperatively in 10 (13.0%) eyes in the group without prone positioning; no ERMs were seen postoperatively in eyes in which the internal limiting membrane (ILM) was peeled during PPV.

Conclusions

PPV without postoperative prone positioning is associated with a higher reattachment rate in eyes with a RRD, especially those with inferior retinal breaks. PPV with postoperative supine and lateral positioning might be beneficial to manage RRDs associated with inferior retinal breaks if ILM peeling is performed intraoperatively.

Clinical outcome of 23g Trans-Conjunctival pars plana vitrectomy - a prospective comparison of Phaco-Vitrectomy with only vitrectomy in phakic eyes

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety profile of combined phacoemulsification with 23G pars plana vitrectomy when compared to pars plana vitrectomy alone in phakic patients.

Methods

This study was performed at Al-Ehsan Eye Hospital (tertiary care eye hospital in Lahore, Pakistan) from January 2016 to August 2016. A total of 40 eyes in two equal groups of 20 eyes each, were enrolled in this prospective study. Group-A underwent combined phaco-vitrectomy, whereas Group-B underwent vitrectomy only for various vitreoretinal pathologies. We evaluated the safety of combined surgery, intra-operative and postoperative complications and short term surgical outcome.

Results

The most common reason for vitreoretinal intervention was rhegmatogenous retinal detachment followed by vitreous haemorrhage in combined study population. There was statistically significant difference in best corrected visual acuity pre-operatively and post operatively within the groups and between the groups. The most significant immediate post operative observation in Group-A was enhanced anterior chamber inflammation as compared to Group-B, whereas most signification observation in Group-B was development of visually significant cataract (35%) at 6 months follow-up. There was no other significant sequel or complication difference between both groups.

Conclusions

Combined phaco-vitrectomy is a safe and effective procedure with minimum complication profile and it avoids the need of subsequent cataract surgery.

Anatomical and Functional Results Following 23-Gauge Primary Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: Superior versus Inferior Breaks

PURPOSE

In this retrospective study, we evaluated the anatomical and functional outcomes of patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment primarily treated with pars plana vitrectomy in regard to the location of the breaks. Methods. 160 eyes were enrolled in this study, divided into two groups based on break location: the superior break group (115 eyes) and the inferior break group (45 eyes). The main endpoint of our study was the anatomical success at 3 months following surgery.

RESULTS

Primary retinal reattachment was achieved in 96.5% of patients in group A and in 93.3% in group B (no statistically significant difference, OR 1.98, 95% CI: 0.4, 7.7). Mean BCVA change and intraoperative complication rate were also not statistically significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05, OR: 1.0, 95% CI: 0.9, 1.01, resp.). Statistical analyses showed that macula status, age, and preoperative BCVA had a significant effect on mean BCVA change (p = 0.0001, p = 0.005, and p = 0.001, resp.).

CONCLUSION

This study supports that acceptable reattachment rates can be achieved using PPV for uncomplicated RRD irrespective of the breaks location and inferior breaks do not constitute an independent risk factor for worse anatomical or functional outcome.