Factors affecting wound leakage in 23-gauge sutureless pars plana vitrectomy

Vitreous incarceration in sutured vs non-sutured sclerotomies after 25-gauge macular surgery

OBJECTIVES

To study the patterns of vitreous incarceration in sutured vs non-sutured sclerotomies in patients subjected to 25-gauge macular surgery.

METHODS

A prospective study of 135 eyes affected by epiretinal membrane or macular hole. Vitreal disposition was evaluated via ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) at the sclerotomy sites between 30 and 40 days after surgery, once the tamponade had completely disappeared.

RESULTS

In total, 349 sclerotomies (86.2%) of 99 patients were non-sutured while 56 sclerotomies (13.8%) of 36 patients were sutured at the end of the surgical procedure. Among the 36 patients with sutured sclerotomies, 15 out of 36 (41.6%) had at least two sclerotomies sutured. All the sclerotomy sites were evaluated (405 sclerotomies). Sclerotomy suture was significantly associated with a less aggressive pattern of vitreal incarceration (OR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.07-0.35, p < 0.001). Compared to preoperative values, day 1 post operative IOP was not significantly different in patients with sutured sclerotomies, while patients with non-sutured sclerotomies had a significantly lower day 1 post operative IOP.

CONCLUSIONS

In 25-gauge macular surgery, UBM evaluation documented a higher rate of postoperative vitreous incarceration in the non-sutured sclerotomies, confirming the previously postulated role of the residual vitreous, left at the end of the surgery, in closing the sclerotomy site.

Evaluation of leakage resistance improvement in transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy sclerotomies closed with adhesives. an experimental study

Background

The purpose of this paper is to study the utility of adhesives (artificial-cyanoacrylate and biological-fibrin glue) for improving transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV) sclerotomy closure competency.

Methods

Experimental and observer-masked study in which after performing TSV in cadaveric pig eyes, different adhesives were tested on sclerotomy entrances in order to determine if they improved closure competency in face of progressive intraocular pressure increase. In 76 eyes cyanoacrylate-treated sclerotomies were compared with sclerotomies in which no additional manoeuvre to aid closing was performed; in 76 eyes fibrin glue with no manoeuvre; and in the last 76 eyes, cyanoacrylate-treated sclerotomies were compared with fibrin glue-treated sclerotomies.

Results

A total of 228 eyes had a 23-gauge TSV performed. Both cyanoacrylate and fibrin glue treated sclerotomies achieved higher mean opening pressures when compared with nontreated sclerotomies in the same eye (p < 0.002). When cyanoacrylate was compared with biological adhesive in the same eye, no statistically significant differences were obtained (p = 0.216).

Discussions

This experimental study provides support for the possible role of adhesives in improving TSV sclerotomy closure competency in clinical practice.

Influence of orientation of the external linear incision created by the 25-gauge trocar and related factors on sclerotomy closure: A clinical and optical coherence tomographic study

Purpose:

To assess the influence of orientation of the external linear incision created by the trocar and related factors on sclerotomy closure in 25-gauge (25G) transconjunctival vitreous surgery (TVS).

Methods:

A total of 46 eyes of 46 patients who underwent 25G TVS (23 circumferential incisions and 23 radial incisions) were studied. Clinical and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT)-based comparison of self-sealed and sutured sclerotomies was done. The influence of age, ocular surgeries and injections, axial length, cannula type, sclerotomy quadrant, surgery duration, vitreous base excision, and tamponade on suture rates was analyzed.

Results:

Of the 46 eyes, 23 eyes required suturing [circumferential: 17 (74%) and radial: 6 (26%); P = 0.003]. A significantly lesser proportion of superonasal quadrant and inferotemporal quadrant sclerotomies needed suturing [9 (24%) and 12 (27%)] when compared with superotemporal quadrant [17 (37%)]. Sclerotomies to the left of the surgeon and the infusion port required significantly lesser suturing [10 (25%) and 13 (28%), respectively] when compared with that of surgeon's right [15 (35%)]. Suturing was significantly lesser when gas or oil tamponade was used [5 (36%) and 2 (20%), respectively] when compared with no tamponade [16 (73%)]. In eyes without tamponade, suturing was lesser with radial sclerotomies (P = 0.003). The odds of having an open sclerotomy tract on AS-OCT were ≥5 when circumferential sclerotomies were used.

Conclusion:

Self-sealing was more common with radial external incisions. Tamponade was associated with less suturing. Superotemporal sclerotomies and sclerotomies toward the surgeon's dominant hand were often sutured. In this cohort, other factors did not influence sclerotomy closure.

VITREOUS INCARCERATION IN SCLEROTOMIES AFTER VALVED 23-, 25-, OR 27-GAUGE AND NONVALVED 23- OR 25-GAUGE MACULAR SURGERY

PURPOSE

To study the patterns of vitreous incarceration at sclerotomy sites by ultrasound biomicroscopy in patients subjected to valved or nonvalved small-gauge pars plana vitrectomy.

METHODS

A prospective comparative study of 88 eyes affected by epiretinal membrane and macular hole. Patients were divided into four groups: valved or nonvalved 23-gauge (16 eyes each) and valved or nonvalved 25-gauge (20 eyes each); their vitreal disposition was compared by ultrasound biomicroscopy. Vitreal disposition was also assessed in 16 eyes of 16 patients subjected to valved 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy.

RESULTS

Three vitreal patterns were identified: P0 (vitreous not visible or vitreous strand distant from the sclerotomy site), P1 (vitreous strand parallel to and in contact with the sclerotomy site), and P2 (vitreous strand entrapped in the sclerotomy site). The effect of valved trocar use on vitreous incarceration seemed to be somewhat beneficial, but no statistically significant effect could be shown (odds ratio: 0.85, 95% confidence interval: 0.42-1.74, P = 0.657). Similarly, no differences in vitreous incarceration were shown among vitrectomy gauges (23, 25, or 27) both in a model including valved trocars only (P = 0.858) and in a model with all available data (P = 0.935).

CONCLUSION

In 23- and 25-gauge macular surgeries, postoperative vitreous incarceration does not seem to be reduced using valved cannulas and was similar to that observed in 27-gauge surgery.

Transscleral tunnel incision related arterial hemorrhage in 23-gauge Vitrectomy: case report

BACKGROUND

Transscleral tunnel incisions are commonly made to avoid postoperative leakage in small gauge sutureless vitrectomy. We present an unreported intraoperative complication, tunnel incision related arterial hemorrhage from sclerotomy, in 23-gauge (23G) vitrectomy.

CASE PRESENTATION

Two cases of intraocular arterial hemorrhage from superonasal sclerotomy were observed at the beginning of vitrectomy. The bleeding filled the vitreous cavity quickly and gushed out from the incision port after the involved supronasal cannula was removed. The active bleeding seemed not to stop spontaneously. We controlled the active bleeding by relocating the involved cannula, elevating the intraocular pressure and compressing the sclera wound. Post-operative intraocular hemorrhage from the sclerotomy was not found in any of the two cases.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that the bleeding was from injured ciliary artery when the incision crossed 3 or 9 o'clock accidently. Surgeons might avoid this complication by locating the superior incisions away from the horizontal axis, and should be aware the proper management.

Scleral wound healing with cross-link technique using riboflavin and ultraviolet A on rabbit eyes

Purpose

The aim of study was to evaluate the cross-link using riboflavin and ultraviolet A (UVA) for improving scleral wound healing.

Materials and methods

This was an experimental study involving four New Zealand rabbits (eight eyes). Therapy procedure was chosen for the right eye and control procedure for the left one. UVA irradiation of 365 nm with a surface irradiance of 3 mW/cm² and a photosensitizer of riboflavin drops were applied for 30 minutes on the right eye at 2 mm from the limbus. Sclerotomy incision was performed at 2 mm from the limbus in both right (on the cross-link-treated area) and left eye. Then, 30 days after surgery, a morphological analysis and histological staining with hematoxylin–eosin and picrosirius red were performed, and the sclerotomy cicatrization of right and left eyes was compared. The variables investigated were as follows: sclerotomy incision pictures and measurements were made using the ImageJ Software. Scleral thickness was measured (employing the anterior optical coherence tomography and the digital caliper). Collagen fiber density stained with picrosirius red staining was measured using the Image Pro Plus software.

Results

The morphological analysis showed that in all samples, the right eye presented sclerotomy closure, and in two eyes, among them, there were no visible edges of the sclerotomies incision. The left eye presented sclerotomy closure and incision edges. The Image Pro demonstrated a higher density of collagen fibers in the right eye when compared to the one. The statistical analysis was significant when compared to the collagen fiber density in the treated eyes with the control eyes.

Conclusion

The cross-link procedure resulted in a better sclerotomy wound healing.

Perioperative changes of the intraocular pressure during the treatment of epiretinal membrane by using 25- or 27-gauge sutureless vitrectomy without gas tamponade

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare perioperative intraocular pressures (IOPs) in 25- or 27-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) and to evaluate the stability of postoperative sclerotomy closure.

Materials and methods

This is a retrospective review of 147 eyes treated for epiretinal membrane by using 25- or 27-gauge MIVS as the initial vitrectomy (25-gauge phacovitrectomy [25-P group]: 73 eyes, 25-gauge vitrectomy alone [25-A group]: 15 eyes, 27-gauge phacovitrectomy [27-P group]: 47 eyes, and 27-gauge vitrectomy alone [27-A group]: 12 eyes). Statistical analyses of perioperative IOPs on preoperative day (PreOp), postoperative day (POD)1, POD2, postoperative week 1, and postoperative month 1 were performed.

Results

All self-sealing sclerotomies were obtained without gas tamponade at the end of surgery. Also, no significant differences were noted in the age and axial length among the 4 groups and in the surgical time between 25-P and 27-P groups and between 25-A and 27-A groups. Significant decreases in IOP were found at POD1 and POD2 in the 25-P, 25-A, and 27-P groups compared with PreOP, but not in the 27-A group.

Conclusion

Even though surgeons confirm that there is no leakage from sutureless sclerotomy and that a normal IOP is preserved at the end of 25- or 27-gauge MIVS, there is a possibility of postoperative sclerotomy leakage on the day of the surgery. Furthermore, postoperative sclerotomy self-sealing of the MIVS in previous intraocular lens implantation cases is considered to be acquired easily than that in phacovitrectomy.

Outcomes of Choroidal Melanoma 25-Gauge Vitrectomy Needle Biopsy and Iodine 125 Brachytherapy Performed by Directly Supervised Fellows versus Attending Faculty

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcomes of choroidal melanoma 25-gauge vitrectomy needle biopsy and iodine 125 (¹²⁵I) brachytherapy performed by supervised fellows compared with experienced faculty.

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty-three consecutive eyes of 63 patients with treatment-naïve medium choroidal melanomas without extraocular extension.

METHODS

Sixty-three consecutive eyes of 63 patients undergoing simultaneous ¹²⁵I brachytherapy and 25-gauge vitrectomy melanoma biopsy for choroidal melanoma. One attending surgeon performed 31 surgeries and 2 fellows performed 32 surgeries. All cases treated by fellows were under direct supervision of the attending physician.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Percentage of adequate biopsy sample, tumor regression, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

There were no baseline differences between the groups. The biopsy yield for gene expression profile and the melanoma regression rate were equal in both groups (63/63 [100%]; P = 1.0). Complications occurred in 1 of 31 faculty surgery patients (transient vitreous hemorrhage) and in 0 of 32 fellow surgery patients (P = 1.0).

CONCLUSIONS

With proper supervision, fellows can achieve equally high biopsy yield and melanoma regression rate with few complications compared with experienced faculty.

VITREORETINAL SURGICAL OUTCOMES PERFORMED BY SUPERVISED RETINAL FELLOWS VERSUS ATTENDING FACULTY SURGEONS

PURPOSE

To evaluate common vitreoretinal surgeries performed by retinal fellows under direct faculty supervision, compared with experienced faculty members.

METHODS

Retrospective study analyzing 592 consecutive eyes undergoing retinal surgery from 2009 to 2011 at Retina Consultants of Alabama/University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Ophthalmology. Vitreoretinal surgeries included macular hole, macular pucker, retinal detachment, diabetic vitreous hemorrhage, and diabetic tractional retinal detachment. Three fellows performed 390 cases (divided into first or second year fellows), while 4 faculty members performed 202 cases. All 390 fellow-performed cases were under direct supervision. Chi-square analysis was used to compare outcomes.

RESULTS

There were no baseline differences between the groups. The mean postoperative visual improvement was statistically significant and equal in all groups, as well as between each physician (P ≤ 0.0001). Complications occurred in 29/592 cases (4.8%), whereas reoperations occurred in 21/592 cases (3.5%) and were equally distributed across groups. There were no differences in complications and reoperations when comparing first-year with second-year fellows.

CONCLUSION

With proper supervision, vitreoretinal fellows can achieve an equally high visual improvement with low complication and reoperation rates compared with experienced faculty. The year of fellowship does not significantly influence outcomes or complications. Quality outcomes after vitreoretinal surgery can be obtained throughout fellowship training.

Evaluation of mechanical closure resistance of sutureless vitrectomy sclerotomies after conjunctival cauterization with bipolar diathermy forceps

BACKGROUND

Suturing is the most widely used technique to close leaking sclerotomies after transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV). However, with the aim of avoiding the disadvantages caused by conjunctival stitches, there have been described other closure techniques, such as the cauterization of the conjunctiva placed over the incisions. To continue advancing knowledge of the incisional occlusion effect achieved by conjunctival diathermy, it would be also interesting to study the wound closure resistance obtained under intraocular pressure (IOP) changes, given that in the early postoperative period eyes are subjected to pressure stress. In our study, we compare the mechanical resistance observed in sclerotomies treated with bipolar diathermy after TSV compared to that found in incisions in which cauterization was not performed.

METHODS

This was an experimental, randomized, and observer-masked study in which 23-gauge TSV was performed in 80 cadaveric pig eyes. Once each vitrectomy was finished, cauterization was performed with bipolar diathermy forceps on the conjunctiva placed over one of the superior sclerotomy sites; no maneuver was performed over the other superior incision. IOP was gradually increased by means of the vitrectomy system (Accurus; Alcon Laboratories, TX) until one of the superior sclerotomies opened, allowing internal ocular solution to escape.

RESULTS

In 35 % of cases (28 of 80 eyes), sclerotomies subjected to diathermy allowed intraocular fluid escape first (p = 0.01). When comparing opening pressure values, cauterized incisions leaked at significantly higher pressure levels than those in which diathermy was not applied (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Bipolar diathermy on sutureless sclerotomies has demonstrated to be, in our experimental model, an effective method for increasing the sclerotomy closure resistance. Although its use in vitrectomized eyes has previously been described, our study is the first to analyze the response of cauterized sclerotomies to IOP increases.

Influence of silicone oil tamponade on self-sealing sclerotomy using 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy: a retrospective comparative study

Background

Characteristic complications have been reported for transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy, such as postoperative sclerotomy leakage and postoperative hypotony. Particular attention to sclerotomy closure is required in cases of silicone oil tamponade, because postoperative supplementation of silicone oil implies reoperation, whereas postoperative supplement of gas is comparatively easy. This study investigated sclerotomy closure in cases of silicone oil tamponade using 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy.

Methods

We enrolled 19 consecutive eyes with silicone oil injection (Group A, self-sealing sclerotomies, n = 10) (Group B, sutured sclerotomies, n = 9) and 10 eyes with silicone oil removal (Group C, self-sealing sclerotomies) using 25-gauge TSV. Postoperative intraocular pressure was compared between Groups A and B, and between Groups A and C using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), one-way factorial ANOVA, and the Tukey-Kramer test.

Results

No significant differences in age or axial length were seen among groups, but surgical time differed significantly between Group C and the other groups. Mean duration of silicone oil tamponade was 3.2 ± 1.4 months in Group C, and no sclerotomies in Group A or C required suture placement. Postoperative silicone oil leakage to the subconjunctival space was not encountered in Group A. No cases showed postoperative hypotony (defined as intraocular pressure <5 mmHg). Significant differences in intraocular pressure within the same postoperative period were not identified between Groups A and B. Conversely, significant differences in intraocular pressure within the same postoperative period were identified at postoperative days 1 and 2, although not at postoperative week 1 or postoperative month 1 between Groups A and C.

Conclusions

The procedure for sclerotomy closure seems to have little influence on postoperative intraocular pressure in eyes with silicone oil tamponade using 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy, because silicone oil tamponade may avoid postoperative hypotony by decreasing sclerotomy leakage in the early postoperative period.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12886-015-0159-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Investigation of postoperative intraocular pressure in cases of silicone oil removal using 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy with oblique incisions

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) in cases of silicone oil (SO) removal when using 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV) with oblique incisions.

Methods

We enrolled ten consecutive eyes with SO removal (SO group) and eleven consecutive eyes with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) as the initial vitrectomy (ERM group) in cases using 25-gauge TSV with oblique incisions. Postoperative IOPs were compared between the two groups at each of the four examination periods.

Results

No significant differences were identified in any of the periods examined.

Conclusion

The use of 25-gauge TSV with oblique incisions resulted in almost equivalent postoperative IOPs between cases with SO removal and idiopathic ERM as the initial operation. Self-sealing sclerotomy in 25-gauge TSV with oblique incisions may primarily involve the valve architecture, and be complemented by vitreous incarceration.

Factors influencing self-sealing of sclerotomy performed under gas tamponade in 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors influencing self-sealing of sclerotomy performed under gas tamponade in 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy.

Methods

This study was a retrospective review of 84 patients (84 eyes) who underwent 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy under gas tamponade by a single surgeon. At the end of surgery, the sclerotomy was massaged to promote self-sealing. Factors influencing massage time were examined using multiple regression analysis. Independent variables were age, surgical time, vitreous incarceration, intraocular manipulation, and axial length.

Results

Significant factors were intraocular manipulation and vitreous incarceration in the examination of all sclerotomies, age only in the examination of infusion sites, and vitreous incarceration only in the examination of manipulation sites.

Conclusion

In sclerotomy performed with gas tamponade using 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy, intraocular manipulation influenced self-sealing of sclerotomy the most, followed by vitreous incarceration, and then age.

Examination of Self-Sealing Sclerotomy for Vitrectomized Eye under Gas Tamponade in 23-Gauge Transconjunctival Sutureless Vitrectomy

INTRODUCTION

To investigate whether a previous history of vitrectomy affects sclerotomy self-sealing under gas tamponade in 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study retrospectively reviewed two groups, a vitrectomized group (seven consecutive cases) and an initial vitrectomy group (82 consecutive cases), who underwent 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy at Jikei University School of Medicine Daisan Hospital in Tokyo. Factors affecting sclerotomy self-sealing were examined using multiple regression analysis. The criterion variable was massage time, and independent variables were age, surgical time, axial length, vitreous incarceration, history of vitrectomy, preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), and postoperative IOP.

RESULTS

Age (F = 10.4) was the only significant factor. History of vitrectomy was not a significant factor (F = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Previous history of vitrectomy does not affect sclerotomy self-sealing under gas tamponade in 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy.

Influence of the source of incisional vitreous incarceration on sclerotomy closure competency after transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the influence that the origin of incisional vitreous incarceration may have on the presence of postoperative conjunctival blebs over sclerotomies after transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV). Blebs are formed by incisional leakage due to incompetent closure.

METHODS

Twenty-three-gauge TSV was performed in 83 cadaveric pig eyes. Once each vitrectomy was finished, ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) was used to assess the presence of postoperative conjunctival blebs over the sclerotomy sites, as well as the existence of vitreous incarcerated in incisions. Vitreous strands may come from the perisclerotomy area, running parallel to the sclera toward the inner hole of the sclerotomies, or may radiate from the core of the vitreous cavity.

RESULTS

Vitreous entrapment was found in 73.9% of the sclerotomies; 43.4% of the incisions showed vitreous strands coming parallel to the sclera (12.9% of them showed conjunctival bleb), 19.7% of the wounds presented vitreous aiming toward the core of the vitreous cavity (2% of them had conjunctival bleb) and 10.8% of the entrances presented both vitreous incarceration sources (none of them showed bleb). Incisions with vitreous entrapment parallel to the sclera were associated with a significantly greater sclerotomy leakage rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Sclerotomies with vitreous incarceration coming from the core of the vitreous cavity showed a greater incisional closure competency than that observed in incisions with vitreous entrapment coming from the pericannular area; if these results were confirmed in humans, different postoperative suture rates may be expected on sclerotomies according to the vitrectomy degree performed in different areas of the vitreous cavity.

Factors predicting duration of intraocular gas presence after 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To investigate factors predicting duration of intraocular gas presence in 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of 130 eyes that underwent 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy. At the end of surgery, gas exchange and sclerotomy massage to promote self-sealing were performed. If sclerotomy leakage was suspected despite sclerotomy massage, a suture was placed. Factors predicting duration of intraocular gas presence in 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy were examined using multiple regression analysis. An F value greater than 2 and P value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Significant factors were axial length (F = 7.08; P < .05) and IOP on postoperative day 1 (F = 4.35; P < .05). Age, operation time, preoperative IOP, and number of sutured sclerotomies were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Factors predicting duration of intraocular gas presence in 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy were axial length and postoperative IOP on day 1.

Evaluation of Wound Morphology of Sclerotomy Sites of Sutureless Vitrectomy Using Spectralis Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to evaluate wound morphology in vivo in eyes undergoing sutureless vitrectomy.

DESIGN

This was a prospective consecutive case series.

METHODS

Twenty eyes undergoing sutureless vitrectomy were evaluated using anterior segment optical coherence tomography on days 1, 15, and 30. Ten eyes each belonged to 23-gauge (group A) and 25-gauge (group B). Scans were taken on the incision sites. Group A cases were further divided into group A1 and A2 on the basis of the surgical time of less than 15 minutes' and more than 15 minutes' duration, respectively.

RESULTS

On day 1, the mean outer and inner incision diameters in group A were 236.6 and 146 µm, and those for group B were 118.6 and 90 µm. A significant decrease (P < 0.0001) in both the port sizes was observed in both groups' follow-up. Group B showed significant decrease (P < 0.0001) in the port sizes on l follow-up as compared with group A. Group A1 had smaller incision size as compared with group A2 on the first postoperative day, although not statistically significant(P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In both groups, the sclerotomy incisions showed good healing at 1-month duration. The 25-gauge sclerotomies showed better healing characteristics of wound morphology as compared with the 23-gauge sclerotomies.

Intraoperative endoscopic observation of sclerotomy site after cannula removal for 23-gauge vitrectomy

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of vitreous incarceration in sclerotomy after cannula removal during 23-gauge vitrectomy.

METHODS

Thirty-seven eyes underwent 23-gauge sutureless vitrectomy. Oblique sclerotomies were made parallel to the limbus and tangentially to the sclera. Once past the trocar sleeve, the angle was changed to 90 degrees perpendicular to the surface and the trocar and cannula inserted. Vitreous gel was removed until the intraocular edge of the infusion cannula was free from the gel. The cannula was extracted with insertion of a light probe. The sclerotomy site was evaluated endoscopically through another cannula in 32 eyes; in five eyes, another infusion tube was inserted into the cannula to maintain intraocular pressure, the original infusion was removed, and the sclerotomy site observed.

RESULTS

No vitreous incarceration occurred in 30 (94%) eyes when one cannula was removed with insertion of a light probe, and minimal incarceration occurred in two (6%) eyes. No incarceration occurred in five eyes with observation of the infusion site.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of vitreous incarceration is low when a light probe or vitreous cutter is inserted. Inserting the light probe through the cannula during its removal and creating an oblique sclerotomy may reduce vitreous incarceration.

Diathermy of leaking sclerotomies after 23-gauge transconjunctival pars plana vitrectomy: a prospective study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of bipolar diathermy in ensuring closure of leaking sclerotomies after complete 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy.

METHODS

In this prospective, interventional case series, in 136 eyes of 136 patients with at least one leaking sclerotomy at the end of a complete 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy, external bipolar wet-field diathermy was applied to leaking sclerotomies, including the conjunctiva and sclera. Intraoperative wound closure, and postoperatively, at 6 hours, 1 day and 3 days, sclerotomies leakage, intraocular pressure, hypotony, and hypotony-related complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

Intraoperative closure was achieved in 231 of 238 leaking sclerotomies (97%) that received diathermy. One of these with postoperative leakage needed suture. Compared with baseline (14.4 ± 2.8 mmHg), mean intraocular pressure was lower at 6 hours (13.2 ± 3.8 mmHg, Tukey-Kramer P < 0.001) and not different at 24 hours or 72 hours. Hypotony (intraocular pressure <5 mmHg) was observed in 6 eyes (4.5%) at 6 hours, in 2 (1.5%) at 24 hours, and in none at 3 days. Logistic regression analysis showed that, 6 hours postoperatively, hypotony was related to younger age (≤50 years) at surgery (P = 0.031). No hypotony-related complications were recorded.

CONCLUSION

Bipolar wet-field diathermy of sutureless sclerotomies is an effective method for ensuring a leaking sclerotomies closure.

Evaluation of conjunctival bleb detection after vitrectomy by ultrasound biomicroscopy, optical coherence tomography and direct visualization

PURPOSE

To compare ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), and direct visualization for detecting conjunctival blebs in sutureless sclerotomies after vitrectomy. Conjunctival blebs are formed by sclerotomy leakage due to incompetent closure.

METHODS

Experimental, randomized, and observer-masked study in which 23-gauge vitrectomies were performed in cadaveric pig eyes. Postoperative conjunctival blebs were assessed by UBM, AS-OCT, and direct visualization. No conjunctival blebs were classified as Grade 0 (G0), thin blebs (less than or equal to one-half of scleral thickness) as Grade 1 (G1) and thick blebs (greater than one-half of scleral thickness) as Grade 2 (G2).

RESULTS

Fifty pig eyes were included. Conjunctival blebs were found in 13.3% (8% G1, 5.3% G2) of the incisions analyzed by UBM, in 20% (14.7% G1, 5.3% G2) of the sclerotomies studied by AS-OCT, and in 7.3% (2% G1, 5.3% G2) of the wounds evaluated by direct visualization. AS-OCT was the most sensitive method for identifying conjunctival blebs when compared with UBM and direct visualization (p<0.001). In turn, UBM was better than direct visualization for observing sclerotomy blebs (p=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

AS-OCT is the most sensitive technique for detecting subclinical blebs (G1) and thus, it may be useful in research for studying the influence that surgical factors and maneuvers may exert on sclerotomy closure capacity after vitrectomy. Direct visualization, that is used in routine clinical practice to determine which sclerotomies should be sutured, is useful only to identify thick blebs (G2) after vitrectomy.

Comparison of 23-gauge sutureless sclerotomy architecture and clinical outcomes in macular and non-macular surgery using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

PURPOSE

To compare the 23-gauge (23-G) sutureless vitrectomy incision architecture in macular and non-macular surgery, using anterior segment spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and to evaluated its influence on clinical outcomes.

METHODS

A prospective, observational case series of 43 patients who underwent primary transconjunctival 23-G pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for macular and non-macular diseases. All sclerotomy wounds were imaged 1 day after surgery using the anterior segment module of SD-OCT (OCT Spectralis; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). Sclerotomy architecture, including good wound apposition, presence of gaping and misalignment of the roof and floor of the incisions were evaluated. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative medical record data were also prospectively collected.

RESULTS

  Incision gaping and misalignment of the roof and floor occurred more frequently in the superotemporal and superonasal quadrants than in the inferotemporal quadrant (p < 0.05) and was more frequent in the non-macular group than in the macular group (p < 0.05). The incidence of incision gaping increased significantly as the incision angle increased. In the macular group, the mean postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) did not change from the preoperative value, whereas in the non-macular group, the mean IOP decreased significantly from 15.09 ± 2.58 mmHg preoperatively to 12.18 ± 3.25 mmHg on the first postoperative day (p < 0.005). The mean IOP did not differ significantly between the two groups of surgery at 1 week, and at 1 month postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

  In 23-G PPV, non-macular surgery is associated with a significant postoperative IOP decrease in comparison with macular surgery, which could be explained by the most remodelled wound architecture.

Influence of sutureless 23-gauge sclerotomy architecture on postoperative intraocular pressure decrease: results of a multivariate analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the factors affecting the postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) decrease in 23-gauge (23-G) sutureless vitrectomy, including incision architecture evaluated by anterior segment spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

METHODS

A prospective cohort study of 43 patients who underwent primary transconjunctival 23-G pars plana vitrectomy. All sclerotomy wounds were imaged 1 day after surgery using the anterior segment module of SD-OCT (OCT Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). 23-G sclerotomy architecture, preoperative and postoperative medical data were also prospectively collected.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analysis, with backward elimination, found that surgery duration (adjusted OR = 9.17, p = 0.020) and loss of wound apposition (adjusted OR = 15.12, p = 0.022) were risk factors for significant postoperative IOP decrease (≥3 mmHg) 1 day after surgery; while age, gender, myopia, and gas tamponade were not risk or protective factors for postoperative IOP decrease.

CONCLUSIONS

In 23-G pars plana vitrectomy, the early postoperative decrease in IOP is mainly influenced by surgery duration and the self-sealing nature of the sclerotomy. The IOP decrease was not influenced by the presence or the absence of gas tamponade.

Influence of the sclerotomy use on mechanical incision competency in experimental model of vitrectomized eyes

PURPOSE

To evaluate the influence of superior sclerotomy use (vitreous cutter or illumination probe entrance) on the postoperative sclerotomy closure competency using an experimental model of vitrectomized eye.

METHODS

Prospective, experimental, randomized and observer-masked experimental study in which 23 and 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy was performed through oblique sclerotomies in the same cadaveric pig eye. Closure competency was determined by the resistance to intraocular fluid leak through the superior incisions in face of a progressive intraocular pressure (IOP) rise.

RESULTS

120 eyes included. In 52.5% of cases, the vitreous cutter probe sclerotomy showed intraocular fluid leakage first (p = 0.65). When comparing opening pressure values, there were no significant differences (p = 0.77) between the leakage pressure level of both sclerotomies depending on their use.

CONCLUSIONS

Different uses of superior sutureless oblique sclerotomies do not seem to influence on TSV incision mechanical resistance to IOP rise in our experimental model.