SILICONE OIL TAMPONADE IN 23-GAUGE TRANSCONJUNCTIVAL SUTURELESS VITRECTOMY

T-shaped pars plana scleral incision to remove large intraocular foreign body

Aim

To investigate the efficacy and safety profile of T-shaped pars plana scleral incision technique in removing large intraocular foreign bodies, during 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy.

Methods

Retrospective interventional case series that included patients diagnosed with a large intraocular foreign body (IOFB). Possible postoperative complications were recorded 24 h, 1 month, 3 and 6 months postoperatively.

Results

Thirty eyes of 30 patients (48 ± 5 years old) were enrolled. All IOFBs were successfully removed: mean diameters of 7.8 ± 2.0 mm and 2.6 ± 0.3 mm. Silicone oil and sulfur hexafluoride were used in 27 and 3 eyes, respectively. Lensectomy was performed in 27 eyes. Intraocular lens was implanted at first attempt in 12 eyes; during a second operation in 12 eyes and 6 eyes remained aphakic. At any follow-up, no signs of postoperative complications were observed. Secondary retinal detachment occurred in 12 eyes. Mean preoperative corrected distance visual acuity was 0.04, on the Snellen scale; it increased to 0.07, at last follow-up. Mean intraocular pressure was 17.97 mmHg. All eyes were preserved.

Conclusion

T-shaped scleral incision could be an effective, safe and easy-to-perform standard procedure to remove large IOFBs during pars plana vitrectomy, without increasing the risk of surgical complications and additional damage to the ocular tissues.

Managing PVR in the Era of Small Gauge Surgery

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is the leading cause of failed rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery. Based upon the presence of clinical features and due to associated underlying risk factors, it is classified into various grades based upon its severity and extent of involvement. Despite excellent skills, flawless techniques, and high-end technology applied in the management of RRD, PVR still occurs in 5–10% of cases. Due to the advancements in wide angle viewing systems, advance vitrectomy machines and fluidics, early identification, use of long-term heavy silicon oil tamponades, high-speed cutters, small-gauge vitrectomies, use of perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL), and small-gauge forceps and scissors, the success rate in the management of PVR has increased leading to improved anatomical outcomes. However, functional outcomes do not correlate well with improved anatomical outcomes. Various complications occur after RRD repair that are responsible for re-retinal detachment and recurrence of PVR. This article highlights causes, risk factors, classification, grading, diagnosis, and approach to management of PVR and post-PVR surgery complications.

Successful surgical outcomes after 23-, 25- and 27-gauge vitrectomy without scleral encircling for giant retinal tear

PURPOSE

Retinal detachment due to giant retinal tears (GRTs), tears larger than 90°, is rare and difficult to treat. Here, we show and compare surgical results of 23-, 25- and 27-gauge (G) micro-incision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) for GRT.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective and interventional case series.

METHODS

Retrospective review of 41 eyes of 38 patients with GRT who underwent MIVS. Surgical outcomes after MIVS, including reattachment rates and postoperative complications, were compared between instrument gauges. All patients were followed for at least 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

MIVS with 23G, 25G and 27G instruments was performed in 7, 19 and 15 eyes, respectively. Silicone oil (SO) was used in 34 of 41 eyes (83%) with a mean removal time of 43.8 days after first surgery. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was recovered or maintained in 39 eyes (95%). Reattachment was attained after initial surgery in 38 of 41 eyes (93%) (23G: 6/7 [86%]; 25G: 17/19 [89%]; 27G: 15/15 [100%]). Final reattachment was eventually achieved in all eyes (two eyes needed support from scleral encircling). Postoperative complications occurred in 16 eyes (39%) (23G: 3/7 [43%]; 25G: 8/19 [42%]; 27G: 5/15 [33%]), including macular pucker, cystoid macular edema, macular hole, subretinal perfluorocarbon liquid, retinal folds, vitreous hemorrhage and redetachment. There were no significant differences between the three groups in rate of high myopia, GRT size, operation time, phacovitrectomy rate, SO usage rate, initial reattachment rate, final reattachment rate, preoperative BCVA, final BCVA or rate of postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Despite occasional postoperative complications, primary MIVS, regardless of gauge size, appears to be a safe and feasible option for GRT surgery.

Outcomes of vitrectomy for diabetic tractional retinal detachment in Chicago's county health system

PURPOSE

To examine outcomes of 23-gauge (23G) pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for complex diabetic tractional retinal detachment (TRD) in Chicago's Cook County Health and Hospitals System (CCHHS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective noncomparative study of diabetic TRD cases that underwent PPV at CCHHS. Primary retinal reattachment rate, visual function, and postoperative complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

Sixty nine consecutive cases were included. Primary reattachment and final attachment were achieved in 68/69 eyes (98.6%). Secondary retinal detachment was noted in 1 eye (1.4%). Vitreous hemorrhage requiring repeat PPV developed in 5 eyes (7.2%) and reoperation due to other complications was required in 4/69 eyes (5.8%). Perfluoropropane (C3F8) gas tamponade was used in 91.3% of eyes and silicone oil in 8.7% of eyes. Mean LogMAR visual acuity significantly improved from 1.84 ± 0.61 to 0.93 ± 0.66, (P<0.0001). Vision was stabilized or improved in 66 eyes (95.7%). Visual acuity of 20/200 or better was achieved in 49/69 eyes (71.0%) and 20/50 or better in 16/69 eyes (23.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Even in patients with severe and advanced diabetic TRD pathology and unique demographics as seen in CCHHS, modern vitrectomy techniques can provide excellent anatomical and visual outcomes.

Surgical management of diabetic tractional retinal detachments

Tractional retinal detachment is an end-stage form of diabetic retinopathy that occurs when contractile forces in the vitreous and neovascular tissue lead to the detachment of the neurosensory retina. We review the literature related to the management of this disease. Preoperative planning includes appropriate patient selection, diagnostic and prognostic imaging, and medical optimization with reduction of systemic risk factors. Use of antivascular endothelial growth factor for preoperative treatment has had significant benefits for tractional retinal detachment repair in improving surgical efficiency and outcomes. Advances in microsurgical instrumentation are discussed, with attention to small-gauge vitrectomy with improved flow dynamics, viewing strategies, and lighting allowing bimanual surgery. Special emphasis is placed on bimanual surgical technique, choice of tamponade, and the avoidance of iatrogenic damage. Complications and special considerations are further explored. Based on our compilation of relevant literature, we propose a surgical algorithm for the management of these complex patients.

The Correlation of Pars Plana Incision and Transient Hypotony After Silicone Oil Removal

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the correlation between pars plana incision and transient hypotony after silicone oil removal in aphakic eyes PATIENTS AND METHODS:Twenty-two patients with aphakia and a high degree of myopia with silicone oil tamponade were recruited for this prospective study and randomly scheduled to two groups for silicone oil removal: 3.5-mm corneal incision with suture corneal or 20-gauge pars plana incision with suture. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured and fundus and anterior structure were examined preoperatively on the first, third, and seventh postoperative day and at 1 month after surgery.

RESULTS

IOPs in the pars plana group were significantly lower than the corneal group on the first and third day after surgery (P < .001). Nine of the 11 patients in the pars plana group suffered ciliary detachment accompanied by hypotony (IOP < 8 mm Hg), among whom three patients exhibited excessive hypotony (IOP < 5 mm Hg), whereas the ciliary bodies remained tightly attached and IOP was normal in the corneal group. Among these nine patients, six eyes were observed to have multiple silicone oil granules in the supraciliary cavity, three exhibited gaps of pars plana below the scleral incision site, and two had vitreous hemorrhage. Hypotony spontaneously relieved at the seventh postoperative day for all patients.

CONCLUSION

Pars plana incision is the crucial cause of ciliary detachment and consequent transient hypotony after silicone oil removal. Using corneal limbus incision in patients with aphakic eyes to avoid the par plana incision is expected to reduce the incidence of hypotony with minimal complications. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2018;49:e44-e51.].

TWENTY-FIVE-GAUGE PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY IN COMPLEX RETINAL DETACHMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH GIANT RETINAL TEAR

PURPOSE

To study the structural and functional outcomes of 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy in giant retinal tear-associated retinal detachments.

METHODS

Seventeen eyes of 17 patients with giant retinal tear, who underwent 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy over a period of 15 months at a tertiary eye care center by a single surgeon, were recruited in this retrospective interventional study.

RESULTS

Giant retinal tears were mostly traumatic (35.3%) or associated with myopia (35.3%) and occurred in young (mean age 25.7 years) males (94.1%). Most eyes had best-corrected visual acuity ≤20/1,200 (in 82.3%), foveal detachment (in 88.2%), and proliferative vitreoretinopathy ≤Grade B (in 82.3%). The giant retinal tear extent was more than 180° in 29.4% and the fellow eye was involved in 35.2% of eyes. All eyes underwent 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with encircling band in 41.1%, perfluorocarbon liquid use in 82.3%, and endotamponade with sulphur hexafluoride (23.6%) or silicone oil (76.4%). At mean follow-up of 10.2 months, reattachment rate was 88.2%. Only 35.2% of eyes achieved final visual acuity ≥20/80 with a cause of poor vision being cataract, secondary glaucoma, macular pucker, and corneal edema.

CONCLUSION

Twenty-five-gauge pars plana vitrectomy can achieve excellent attachment rates in eyes with giant retinal tear-associated retinal detachment. It can be as efficient as larger-gauge vitrectomy, at the same time retaining all advantages of smaller-gauge surgery.

Pars Plana Vitrectomy for the Treatment of Uveitis

PURPOSE

To review and summarize evidence in the medical literature regarding the use of pars plana vitrectomy in the management of uveitis.

DESIGN

Systematic literature review.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted for relevant articles on pars plana vitrectomy for the management of uveitis. Results from the studies were compiled and analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty-four articles, published from 2005 through 2014, were included in the final data analysis. Thirty-two manuscripts were from retrospective case series and 2 manuscripts were from randomized pilot studies. The median Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network level of evidence grade was 3 and the median Oxford Center for Evidence-based Medicine level of evidence grade was 4. Fewer than 50% of the articles in the current study applied Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) criteria in regard to reporting the anatomic location of uveitis, fewer than 25% of studies applied SUN criteria in regard to the reporting of anterior chamber cells before and after PPV, fewer than 10% of studies applied SUN criteria to the grading of anterior chamber flare before and after PPV, and fewer than 10% of studies applied standardized criteria to the grading of vitreous haze after PPV. Overall, 627 patients and 708 total eyes undergoing PPV for uveitis were included. The average reported age of all patients was 43.4 years. The median duration of uveitis prior to PPV reported in the studies was 36.1 months (range 4-198 months). The median follow-up after PPV reported in the studies was 18.9 months (range 2-114 months). Vision was reported for 519 eyes and was improved in 356 eyes (69%), unchanged in 95 eyes (18%), and worse in 68 eyes (13%) following PPV. Preoperatively, 157 of 300 (52%) eyes in these studies had documented cystoid macular edema compared to 112 of 300 (37%) postoperatively. Median use of oral corticosteroids improved from 48% preoperatively to 12% postoperatively among the reporting studies. Median use of other immunosuppressive medications decreased from 56% preoperatively to 36% postoperatively among the reporting studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Although nearly all studies continue to report favorable outcomes of PPV in the management of uveitis, the quality of data remains limited by a lack of application of standardized reporting outcomes, limitations in study design, and a paucity of prospective data.

Risk factors for suture requirement and early hypotony in 23-gauge vitrectomy for complex vitreoretinal diseases

PURPOSE

To find out the rate of suture requirement and post-operative hypotony in a series of 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy cases and analyze the factors affecting post-operative hypotony and leakage of sclerotomy leading to suture placement.

METHODS

This is a single-center retrospective interventional case series. Eighty-four eyes underwent 23-gauge vitrectomy. Primary endpoint measures were rate of leakage of 23-gauge sclerotomies requiring suture placement at the end of surgery and rate of early post-operative hypotony. Secondary endpoint measures were risk factors for early hypotony and leakage requiring suture placement at the end of surgery.

RESULTS

Suture placement in at least one sclerotomy because of sclerotomy leakage was required in 28.6 % (24 of 84) of eyes at the end of surgery. Early post-operative hypotony was seen in 14.3 % (12 of 84). Silicone oil endotamponade and single-step surgery were found as factors increasing the risk of sclerotomy leakage leading to suture placement. Suture placement was the only significant factor increasing the risk of early post-operative hypotony.

CONCLUSION

Sclerotomy sutures may be required in 23-gauge surgery, more frequently in cases of single-step sclerotomy and/or silicone oil endotamponade. Meticulous suturation of leaking sclerotomies may decrease the rate of post-operative hypotony.

Classifications for Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR): An Analysis of Their Use in Publications over the Last 15 Years

Purpose. To evaluate the current and suitable use of current proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) classifications in clinical publications related to treatment. Methods. A PubMed search was undertaken using the term "proliferative vitreoretinopathy therapy". Outcome parameters were the reported PVR classification and PVR grades. The way the classifications were used in comparison to the original description was analyzed. Classification errors were also included. It was also noted whether classifications were used for comparison before and after pharmacological or surgical treatment. Results. 138 papers were included. 35 of them (25.4%) presented no classification reference or did not use any one. 103 publications (74.6%) used a standardized classification. The updated Retina Society Classification, the first Retina Society Classification, and the Silicone Study Classification were cited in 56.3%, 33.9%, and 3.8% papers, respectively. Furthermore, 3 authors (2.9%) used modified-customized classifications and 4 (3.8%) classification errors were identified. When the updated Retina Society Classification was used, only 10.4% of authors used a full C grade description. Finally, only 2 authors reported PVR grade before and after treatment. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that current classifications are of limited value in clinical practice due to the inconsistent and limited use and that it may be of benefit to produce a revised classification.

Segmentation and removal of fibrovascular membranes with high-speed 23 G transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy, in severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of high-speed (5,000 cuts per minute) 23 G transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV) in severe diabetic fibrovascular proliferation (DFVP).

Patients and methods

In this retrospective consecutive case series, patients who underwent 23 G TSV for severe DFVP between October 2011 and March 2014 at our institution were evaluated. 23 G TSV was performed with a high-speed (5,000 cuts per minute) cutter without a chandelier light.

Results

The mean follow-up period was 8 months (range: 4–23 months). Of the 27 eyes of 27 patients, 14 eyes (52%) underwent concomitant phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation, nine eyes (33%) were pseudophakic, and four eyes were phakic (15%). DFVP was removed with ease in all, and visual acuity was improved in 18 (67%) eyes. Iatrogenic retinal tear was observed in four eyes (15%) and treated successfully during surgery. Suture placement to a single sclerotomy was performed in eight eyes (30%). Postoperative intraocular hemorrhage was observed in five eyes (18%). Cataract formation was observed in two of the four phakic eyes. Three (11%) patients had postoperative intraocular pressure rise. Postoperative hypotony (≤6 mmHg) and endophthalmitis were not observed in any eye.

Conclusion

The segmentation and removal of fibrovascular membranes with high-speed 23 G TSV seems to be a safe and easy method in severe diabetic eye disease.

Active Silicone Oil Removal with a Transconjunctival Sutureless System: Is the 23-Gauge System Safe and Effective?

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of active silicone oil removal with a 23-gauge (G) transconjunctival sutureless system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred sixteen eyes of 113 patients who had previous retinal detachment surgery with pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil injection surgery, and underwent silicone oil removal surgery with 23-G transconjonctival sutureless technique in our clinic between January 2009 and April 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were evaluated with regard to postoperative changes in best corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP), and complications that occurred during and after surgery.

RESULTS

Of the 113 patients with mean age of 61.1±9.7 years (29-88 years), 62 (54.8%) were males and 51 (45.2%) were females. Silicone oil removal was performed 8.43±5.24 months after the initial surgery. Mean follow-up was 13.38±4.35 months. Visual acuity improved in 69 eyes (59.48%). Anatomic success was achieved in 113 eyes (97.41%). Mean IOP was 16.2±7.2 mmHg at baseline and 14.4±2.6 mmHg at postoperative day 1 (p=0.643). Eight eyes needed suturation of at least one sclerotomy. Retinal redetachment occurred in 3 eyes (2.5%) resulting in a decrease in vision. There were no cases of choroidal detachment, endophthalmitis, clinically significant corneal endothelial decompensation, or macular edema.

CONCLUSION

Active removal of 1,300-centistoke silicone oil with a 23-G transconjunctival sutureless system is a simple, sutureless technique causing minor surgical trauma. Active removal of silicone oil with the 23-G transconjunctival sutureless technique was found to be effective and safe in both phakic and pseudophakic eyes.

A prospective study on postoperative discomfort after 20-gauge pars plana vitrectomy

Purpose

To evaluate postoperative pain and other irritation symptoms after 20-gauge (20G) pars plana vitrectomy.

Materials and methods

A total of 110 consecutive patients were enrolled in our studies, and 87 patients who underwent the conventional 20G pars plana vitrectomy were included in the final analysis. All vitrectomies were performed using the same surgical technique by the same surgeon. Patients were examined before surgery and 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 1 month, and 2 months postoperatively. The main outcome measures include patient age and sex, intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular pain, pain score, pain medication use, and other irritation symptoms comprising itching, foreign body sensation, burning, photophobia, and dryness. The pain was evaluated using the Numerical Rating Scale scored from 0 to 10.

Results

Postoperative pain was relatively common during the first day after surgery, as it was reported by 43 (49.4%) patients. Then, the prevalence gradually decreased to eleven (12.6%) patients at 2 months. Most patients reported mild or moderate pain, with a pain score of 1–5, but only four patients were given analgesics for ocular pain. A postoperative rise of IOP was noted in 25 patients at day 1. Most of these patients with high IOP reported moderate pain. Other ocular irritation symptoms were varied after surgery. There was still one-quarter of patients that had foreign body sensation and dryness symptoms at month 2 after surgery.

Conclusion

Mild and moderate ocular pain were relatively common after 20G vitrectomy, which is more often associated with elevated IOP. Other irritation symptoms were also presented after surgery and could affect the life quality of patients. Therefore, the discomforts after 20G pars plana vitrectomy should be of concern, and timely management should be provided as part of routine postoperative care.

Epiretinal membrane and cystoid macular edema after retinal detachment repair with small-gauge pars plana vitrectomy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the incidence rates of cystoid macular edema (CME) and epiretinal membrane (ERM) formation after uncomplicated primary 23-G and 25-G retinal detachment (RD) repair and to identify risk factors associated with postoperative CME and ERM formation.

METHODS

This was a consecutive interventional case series of 587 eyes that underwent one RD repair with 23-G or 25-G pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with scleral buckling. Epiretinal membrane and CME were confirmed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography (FA).

RESULTS

A total of 587 eyes with a mean follow-up of 404 days had incidence rates of 35.1% for ERM and 15.2% for CME. The incidence of ERM after combined PPV and scleral buckling (48.4%) (n = 61) was greater (p&lt;0.0001) compared to that after PPV alone (31.2%) (n = 144).

CONCLUSIONS

Epiretinal membrane and CME develop frequently after small-gauge RD repair. Pars plana vitrectomy combined with scleral buckling is associated with a higher incidence of ERM. Patients might benefit from increased use of OCT and FA to help rule out CME/ERM.

Giant retinal tears

A giant retinal tear (GRT) is a full-thickness neurosensory retinal break that extends circumferentially around the retina for three or more clock hours in the presence of a posteriorly detached vitreous. Its incidence in large population-based studies has been estimated as 1.5% of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments, with a significant male preponderance, and bilaterality in 12.8%. Most GRTs are idiopathic, with trauma, hereditary vitreoretinopathies and high myopia each being causative in decreasing frequency. The vast majority of GRTs are currently managed with a pars plana vitrectomy; the use of adjunctive circumferential scleral buckling is debated, but no studies have shown a clear anatomical or visual advantage with its use. Similarly, silicone oil tamponade does not influence long-term outcomes when compared with gas. Primary and final retinal reattachment rates are achieved in 88% and 95% of patients, respectively. Even when the retina remains attached, however, visual recovery may be limited. Furthermore, fellow eyes of patients with a GRT are at higher risk of developing retinal tears and retinal detachment. Prophylactic treatment under these circumstances may be considered but there is no firm evidence of its efficacy at the present time.

Outcomes of 195 consecutive patients undergoing 2-port pars plana vitrectomy with slit-lamp illumination system for posterior segment disease: a retrospective study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 2-port 20-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with a slit-lamp illumination system in different vitreoretinal pathologies.

DESIGN

: Retrospective, consecutive, interventional case series.

METHODS

One hundred and ninety-five consecutive eyes of 195 patients underwent 20-gauge 2-port pars plana vitrectomy with a combination of slit-lamp illumination and a plano-concave contact lens, at the San Paolo Ophthalmology Center, from September 2005 through November 2007. Postoperative visual acuity at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months; intraoperative and postoperative complication rate; and surgical time were evaluated.

RESULTS

All patients completed 6 months of follow-up. The mean overall visual acuity was 0.74 ± 0.03 (mean ± SD) at baseline, improving to 0.56 ± 0.03 (P < 0.0001), 0.48 ± 0.03 (P < 0.0001), and 0.43 ± 0.03 (P < 0.0001) at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. No intraoperative complications occurred. Postoperative complications included retinal detachment in three patients, epiretinal membrane recurrence in three eyes, persistent macular hole in four eyes, and phthisis in one eye. Cataract formation was observed in 25 eyes. The total mean surgical time was 28.3 ± 10.1 minutes. No one had hypotony after the surgical procedure, and no cases of endophthalmitis were observed. Conversion to standard three-port vitrectomy was not necessary in any of the cases.

CONCLUSION

Two-port 20-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with slit-lamp illumination is a safe and effective procedure for posterior segment surgeries.

Primary 23-gauge vitreoretinal surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

AIM

To report the effectiveness and safety of primary 23-Gauge (G) vitreoretinal surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 49 eyes of 49 consecutive patients who underwent primary 23-G transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV) for RRD between January 2007 and July 2009 at our institution were evaluated.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up time was 8.9±7.7 months (1-28 months). Retinal reattachment was achieved with a single operation in 47(95.9%) of 49 eyes. In two eyes (4.1%), retinal redetachment due to new breaks was successfully treated with reoperation using the 23-G TSV system. Mean logMAR visual acuity was 2.01±0.47 preoperatively and 1.3±0.5 postoperatively (P<0.001, Paired t-test). Mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 14.1±2.8mmHg. Mean postoperative IOP was 12.3±3.6mmHg at 1 day, 13.1±2.1mmHg at 1 week, 14.3±2.2mmHg at 1 month. Iatrogenic peripheral retinal break was observed in 1 eye (2.0%) intraoperatively. No sutures were required to close the scleral or conjunctival openings, and no eyes required convertion of surgery to 20-G vitrectomy.

CONCLUSION

Primary 23-G TSV system was observed to be effective and safe in the treatment of RRD.

Outcomes of 20-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy

PURPOSE

To assess the effectiveness and safety of the 20-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy system in vitreoretinal surgeries.

METHODS

The charts of 102 consecutive patients who underwent 20-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy by 1 surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. The main outcome measures were intraoperative and postoperative complications and postoperative intraocular pressure and Snellen visual acuity relative to preoperative values. Patients were evaluated before surgery and 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

No trocar-related intraoperative complications were recorded. Two patients (2%) each required suturing of 1 sclerotomy because of leakage at completion of surgery. Mean preoperative visual acuity (in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution units) was 1.1 ± 0.6. By 3 months after surgery, the mean visual acuity had improved to 0.8 ± 0.5 (P < 0.001). Mean preoperative intraocular pressure was 14.7 ± 5.1 mmHg. Mean postoperative intraocular pressure was 14.2 ± 5.5 mmHg (P = 0.48) at Day 1 and 14.6 ± 4.3 mmHg (P = 0.82) at Day 7 after surgery. Hypotony was present in 3 patients (3%) on the first postoperative day, but their intraocular pressure normalized spontaneously within 1 week. None of the patients developed postoperative endophthalmitis or retinal detachment.

CONCLUSION

Twenty-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy is a safe and effective technique for the surgical treatment of a variety of vitreoretinal pathologies.

Comparative study of 23-gauge vitrectomy versus 20-gauge vitrectomy for the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

PURPOSE

To compare the safety and efficacy of 20- and 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for the management of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) grade B or less.

METHODS

This comparative nested case-control study included 35 consecutive 23-gauge transconjunctival PPV cases matched (1:1) with 35 cases of 20-gauge PPV (from a prospective cohort of 1,150 patients) for the baseline visual acuity (VA), axial length, lens and macular status, the location and number of breaks, and PVR grade. All patients had complete PPV, cryotherapy, fluid-gas exchange, and a minimum follow-up of 6 months. The exclusion criteria were eyes with previous vitreoretinal surgery, combined vitrectomy and cataract surgery, RD secondary to trauma or macular hole, diabetic retinopathy, aphakic eyes, giant tears, or posteriorly located breaks precluding treatment using transconjunctival cryotherapy.

RESULTS

Baseline examination disclosed pseudophakia in 77.1%, high myopia in 11.4%, 2.7 ± 2.2 retinal breaks/eye, attached macula in 37.1%, and PVR grade B in 24.3% of the cases. The mean operative time and intraoperative complication rate (11.4%) were similar in both groups. In the 23-G group, we noted three cases of iatrogenic retinal tears and one case of choroidal detachment secondary to a dislodgment of the infusion line. Suturing the sclerotomy sites or the conjunctiva was required in 5.7 and 51% of the eyes, respectively. The single reattachment rate was similar in both groups, 74.3% in the 20-G group, and 80% in the 23-G group. The final anatomical success rate was 97% in the two groups. Mean preoperative VA of 1.2 ± 0.9 logMAR improved similarly in both groups to 0.4 ± 0.4 at the 6-month visit. A final vision of 20/40 or better was achieved similarly in 62.9% of the eyes in the 20-G group and 60% in the 23-G group.

CONCLUSIONS

Twenty-three-gauge PPV provides anatomical and visual results similar to the 20-G technique for the management of uncomplicated rhegmatogenous RD.

23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy: visual outcomes and complications

PURPOSE

To report results and complications of 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless pars plana vitrectomy for a variety of vitreoretinal diseases.

METHODS

A prospective consecutive case series study was performed in 66 eyes of 66 patients. Indications for surgery were epiretinal membrane (n = 20), rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (n = 19: 14 pseudophakic, 5 phakic), macular hole (n = 16), vitreous hemorrhage (n = 5), cyclodialysis (n = 1), intraocular lens luxation (n = 1), asteroid hyalosis (n = 1), congenital retinoschisis (n = 1), and endophtalmitis (n = 2). Main outcome measures included visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and intra- and post-operative complications.

RESULTS

Mean patient age at time of operation was 68 ± 12 years. Overall, visual acuity improved from 1.03 ± 1.00 logMAR preoperatively to 0.32 ± 0.33 logMAR postoperatively (p < 0.01) after a mean follow-up time of 9.3 ± 4.7 months. Mean preoperative intraocular pressure was 13.9 ± 3.5 mmHg, and mean postoperative intraocular pressure was 17.9 ± 9.6 mmHg on day 1 (p < 0.01) and 14.7 ± 2.8 mmHg (p = 0.05) at final visit. Concerning complications, 2 cases of hypotony and 7 of hypertony occurred on day 1, a macular hole reopened some weeks later, and a retinal detachment recurred in one case.

CONCLUSION

23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy is an effective and safe technique for a variety of vitreoretinal diseases.

Advantages and limitations of small gauge vitrectomy

Small gauge vitrectomy utilizing 23- and 25-gauge instrumentation has definite advantages, but also limitations, due to the physics of smaller instruments and sutureless surgery. Higher infusion and aspiration pressures are needed to remove the vitreous using 23- and 25-gauge probes. The advantages include decreased surgical times, less tissue manipulation, reduced inflammation and pain postoperatively with more rapid visual recovery. A disadvantage is greater instrument flexion than 20-gauge probes, making small gauge vitrectomy more appropriate for indications such as vitreous opacities, epiretinal membranes, macular holes, and simple retinal detachments. There are also some increased complications related to small gauge vitrectomy, including dislocation of cannulas intraoperatively, early postoperative hypotony, choroidal detachment, and possibly an increased risk of infectious endophthalmitis.

The safety and efficacy of passive removal of silicone oil with 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless system

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of passive removal of silicone oil with 23-gauge (G) transconjunctival sutureless system.

METHODS

This is a single-center, prospective, interventional, randomized control study. Forty eyes of 40 patients were enrolled in this study and randomized into 2 groups. Group 1 (n = 20) patients underwent passive removal of silicone oil with 23-G transconjunctival sutureless system. Group 2 (n = 20) underwent 20-G active silicone oil removal using all three 20-G ports. In both groups, air-fluid exchange was performed and the globe was left air filled at the end of surgery. All eyes in both groups received 360 degrees endolaser. We recorded surgical time, time for silicone oil removal, number of sutured 23-G sclerotomy sites, presence of preoperative scarring at sclerotomy site, postoperative hypotony, endophthalmitis, and inflammation at sclerotomy site.

RESULTS

Opening and closing times were significantly shorter in Group 1 than in Group 2. Only 3 cases (15%) in Group 1 required 1 additional suture each in the superior sclerotomy site. Both groups were similar in safety in terms of chance of endophthalmitis, redetachment rate, and postoperative hypotony. Only 1 patient of Group 1 (5%) and 5 patients of Group 2 (25%) showed significant conjunctival inflammation at the end of 2 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Passive removal of silicone oil with 23-G transconjunctival sutureless system may hasten postoperative recovery by decreasing overall surgical time and postoperative inflammation. It is a safe and effective procedure when compared with 20-G active silicone oil removal for 1000 centistoke oil.

Differences between the combination of the 25-gauge vitrectomy with phacoemulsification versus 20-gauge vitrectomy and phacofragmentation

Introduction:

In the present study we determine the differences observed between 25-gauge-vitrectomy combined with phacoemulsification, and the 20-gauge-vitrectomy combined with pars plana phacofragmentation.

Methods:

A prospective study of a sample of 987 eyes of 661 patients randomly divided into two groups. 25-gauge-vitrectomy plus phacoemulsification included 486 eyes, and 20-gauge-vitrectomy plus phacofragmentation 501 eyes. We evaluated the differences at the time of the surgery, the intra-and postoperative complications, and the variations in intraocular pressure.

Results:

The final visual outcome was similar in both groups. The most important differences between groups were: surgical time was faster in group 1 than in group 2, (mean time: 35.16 ± 3.49, 44.74 ± 5.30 minutes). Intraoperative complications were more numerous in group 1. In group 1, postoperative low levels of intraocular pressure are present in all patients with 2.77% of patients with hypotension (<8 mmHg), and three choroidal effusion. In group 2, intraocular lens decentration and retinal detachment are more frequent (2.38% and 1.39%, respectively).

Conclusions:

In the present study, both techniques have a similar number of complications and have a similar postoperative outcome, and are valid for the management of the pathologies selected.

Sutureless vitrectomy

Sutureless vitrectomy has rapidly been accepted as an essential part of a vitreoretinal surgical setup. The size and structure of the wound along with near intact conjunctival covering makes the incision self-sealing and safe. This allows the vitrectomy instruments to be used without creating an initial limited peritomy to expose bare sclera, and obviates the need for sutures at the end of the procedure. Wound construction is the essential step in ensuring postoperative wound stability. Both one-step and two-step wound constructions have been described. Key points include an oblique, tunneled approach to ensure a valve-like effect as well as misalignment of conjunctival and scleral wounds by displacing conjunctiva during construction. Advantages include decreased operative times in certain cases and decreased postoperative inflammation, early postoperative rehabilitation, improved patient comfort, and minimal conjunctival damage. Complications are based around wound competence, hypotony, and its relationship to endophthalmitis rates. Early reports highlighted an increase in endophthalmitis though further studies are required to accurately assess the incidence. Endophthalmitis has not been reported in cases that underwent fluid/air exchange. This review focuses on techniques, benefits, complications, personal experiences, and the safety profiles of sutureless vitrectomy systems. A literature review was undertaken using ′Medline′ and ′Pubmed′. Search terms included sutureless vitrectomy, 20 gauge, 23 gauge, 25 gauge, and transconjunctival and small gauge vitrectomy.

Surgical outcomes of transconjunctival sutureless 23-gauge vitrectomy with silicone oil injection

Aims

To evaluate the outcomes and complications of 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV) with Silicone oil (SO) tamponade in complex vitreoretinal diseases.

Settings and Design

Ege university hospital ophthalmology department. Retrospective case series.

Materials and Methods

Forty eyes of 40 patients with diabetic tractional retinal detachment (DTRD) and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) were included in the study. Vitrectomy using 23-gauge system with SO endotamponade was performed. Peroperative and postoperative complications, anatomical and visual results were evaluated.

Statistical analysis used

Paired Student's t-test.

Results

Simultaneous cataract surgery was performed in 17 eyes. Peroperative complications were posterior capsule rupture during phacoemulsification in one patient, vitreous and retinal incarceration in one patient. One eye required suture placement at the end of surgery due to SO leakage. Postoperatively, a small subconjunctival SO bubble in three patients, and hypotony in one patient (6 mmHg) were observed. Recurrent retinal detachment under SO occurred in one patient. Mean follow-up was 6.5 months (±2.7). Pre- and postoperative mean visual acuity was 2.22±0.91 logMAR and 1.11±0.8 logMAR, respectively (P<0.001). Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) on the first postoperative day was lower than preoperative IOP (11.3 ±3.2 versus 14.0 ±2.4 mmHg) (P<0.001).

Conclusions

Twenty-three gauge instrumentation seems to be feasible, effective and safe for vitrectomy with SO injection in DTRD and PVR, and can be considered in the surgical management of these complex vitreoretinal diseases.