Illuminated curved 25-gauge vitrectomy probe for removal of subsclerotomy vitreous in vitreoretinal surgery

Incarceration of vitreous in sclerotomy sites during pars plana vitrectomy can lead to wound-related complications similar to vitreous incarceration in cataract surgery. We describe an illuminated curved 25-gauge vitrectomy probe for removing vitreous from sclerotomy sites. Polyester tubing is used to secure a fiber optic endoilluminator (0.5 mm) with the curved 25-gauge vitrector (0.5 mm). The resultant illuminated curved vitrector (20 G) has a diameter of 1.0 mm. It facilitates complete removal of vitreous around the internal sclerotomies under direct visualization in both phakic and pseudophakic eyes. The same was confirmed with ultrasound biomicroscopy of the sclerotomy sites. Curved vitrector reduces postoperative complications related to incarcerated vitreous in phakic and pseudophakic eyes and other sclerotomy-related wound complications.     

25-gauge, sutureless vitrectomy and standard 20-gauge pars plana vitrectomy in idiopathic epiretinal membrane surgery: a comparative pilot study

Background The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and functional outcome of a small incision, sutureless vitrectomy in the treatment of idiopathic epiretinal membranes (ERM) compared with a standard 20-gauge vitrectomy system.Methods Forty-six consecutive patients with idiopathic ERM were recruited for this study and prospectively evaluated. In group 1 (n=26) we used a transconjunctival sutureless 25-gauge vitrectomy system (TSV), patients in group 2 (n=20) were operated on using a standard 20-gauge vitrectomy system. The ERM was removed and the internal limiting membrane (ILM) was peeled in all eyes. Surgery-related complications, operating time, intraoperative balanced salt solution (BSS) consumption, postoperative discomfort, postoperative intraocular inflammation, lens opacification, and long-term visual outcome are reported and compared.Results No surgery-related complications were observed in either group. Operating time was shorter in group 1 compared with group 2 (mean 15.6 and 29.6 min respectively). Intraoperative amount of BSS consumption was less in group 1 (mean 28 ml in group 1 and 42 ml in group 2). Postoperative discomfort and intraocular inflammation were significantly reduced in the 25-gauge group. In the 20-gauge group cataract formation requiring surgery was observed in two eyes. Visual acuity improved significantly in both groups. The 25-gauge group improved on average by more lines of vision and the improvement in vision was more rapid.Conclusion The TSV system is a safe and efficient surgical technique for ERM surgery. Operating time is significantly reduced, minimizing surgery-induced trauma, and reducing postoperative intraocular inflammation and the patients’ discomfort. The incidence of cataract formation may be less using TSV. Postoperative recovery is accelerated.The authors have no financial interests related to this publication.     

Outcomes of transconjunctival sutureless 27-gauge vitrectomy for vitreoretinal diseases

AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy profile of 27-gauge (27G) pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for the treatment of various vitreoretinal diseases. METHODS: The clinical outcomes of 61 eyes (58 patients) with various vitreoretinal diseases following 27G PPV were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Surgical indications included rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (n=24), full-thickness macular hole (n=12), diabetic retinopathy (n=11), vitreous hemorrhage (n=6), Eales disease (n=4), pathological myopia-related vitreous floater (n=2), and macular epiretinal membrane (n=2). The mean follow-up was 166.4±61.3d (range 98-339d). The mean logMAR best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 1.7±1.1 [0.02 decimal visual acuity (VA) equivalent] preoperatively to 1.2±1.0 (0.06 decimal VA equivalent) at the last postoperative visit (P<0.001). The mean operative time was 49.9min. With the exception of complicated cataract in one eye, no intraoperative complications were encountered. No case required conversion to conventional 20-, 23- or 25G instrumentation in all surgical maneuvers except for silicone oil infusion, which required a 25G oil injection syringe. Postoperative complications included transient ocular hypertension, vitreous hemorrhage, persistent intraocular pressure elevation, subconjunctival oil leakage, and recurrent retinal detachment. No cases of hypotony, endophthalmitis, and sclerotomy-related tears were observed. CONCLUSION: The current results suggest that 27G PPV system is a safe and effective treatment for various vitreoretinal diseases. When learning to perform 27G PPV, surgeons may encounter a learning curve and should gradually expand surgical indications from easy to pathologically complicated cases.     

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 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for cytomegalovirus retinitis-related retinal detachment

Purpose:The purpose of this study is to evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes of 25-gauge (G) pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR)-related rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).Methods:Single-center retrospective consecutive case series of patients who underwent 25-G PPV for CMVR-related RRD repair with a minimum follow-up of 3 months. Complete anatomic success was defined as the complete attachment of retina including the periphery. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of ≥20/400 was defined as functional success.Results:Sixteen eyes of 15 patients were included in the study. Eleven patients were human immunodeficiency virus positive, three patients had hematological malignancies, and one patient suffered from dyskeratosis congenita. The mean follow-up was 20.5 ± 17.4 months (range 3–60 months). Complete anatomical success was seen in 15 eyes (93.75%). One eye had a residual inferior detachment with attached macula. Silicone oil was used as tamponade in 15 eyes and C₃F₈ gas in one eye. The mean change in BCVA was statistically significant, preoperative LogMAR BCVA was 2.05 ± 0.94 while the final follow-up postoperative LogMAR BCVA was 1.03 ± 0.61 (P < 0.001). Thirteen eyes (81.25%) had final BCVA ≥20/400.Conclusion:Microincision vitrectomy surgery can achieve excellent retinal reattachment rates in post-CMVR RRDs without significant intraoperative and postoperative complications. The visual outcome varies depending on the status of the optic disc and macula. Majority of the patients maintained functional vision.     

Keratometric alterations following the 25‐gauge transconjunctival sutureless pars plana vitrectomy versus the conventional pars plana vitrectomy

Purpose: To assess the alterations in keratometric astigmatism following the 25‐gauge transconjunctival sutureless pars plana vitrectomy versus the conventional pars plana vitrectomy. Methods: Sixteen consecutive patients were enrolled into the study. Conventional vitrectomy was applied to eight of the cases and 25‐gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy was performed in eight patients. Keratometry was performed before and after the surgery. Results: In the 25‐gauge transconjunctival sutureless pars plana vitrectomy group, statistically significant changes were not observed in the corneal curvature in any post‐operative follow‐up measurement (p > 0.05); whereas in the conventional pars plana vitrectomy group, statistically significant changes were observed in the first postoperative day (p = 0.01) and first postoperative month (p = 0.03). We noted that these changes returned to baseline in three months (p = 0.26). Conclusion: Both 25‐gauge transconjunctival sutureless and conventional pars plana vitrectomy are effective surgical modalities for selected diseases of the posterior segment. Surgical procedures are critical for the visual rehabilitation of the patients. The post‐operative corneal astigmatism of the vitrectomised eyes can be accurately determined at least two months post‐operatively     

Sutureless 25-gauge vitrectomy for idiopathic macular hole repair

Background We investigated the feasibility and safety of a 25-gauge, transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy system for macular hole repair. Methods Eighty-four eyes of 77 consecutive patients with idiopathic macular hole were operated on using a transconjunctival sutureless 25-gauge vitrectomy system. A complete vitrectomy was performed using triamcinolone acetonide to visualize the vitreous gel and to remove the posterior vitreous cortex. The macular hole was covered with autologous whole blood, and the internal limiting membrane (ILM) was stained with indocyanine green. The ILM was peeled and a fluid-air exchange performed. The globe was filled with gas, and the patient was kept in a prone position for 1 week. Surgery-related complications, macular hole closure on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual outcome were evaluated. Results No intra- or postoperative complications were recorded. It was noted in particular that sclerotomies did not require sutures. No postoperative hypotony or endophthalmitis was observed. OCT showed macular hole closure in 93% of the cases. The median preoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 20/200 and improved significantly (p<0.05) to a median best-corrected visual acuity of 20/67 (median follow-up 6.5 months). Conclusion A 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy, visualization of the vitreous with triamcinolone acetonide, protection of the macular hole with autologous whole blood and staining of the ILM using indocyanine green are safe and efficient techniques for macular hole repair. This is an original article; it has not been published previously. The authors have no financial interest related to this publication and transfer all copyright to the publisher upon acceptance.     

Acute endophthalmitis following 23-gauge sutureless transconjunctival vitrectomy

We report a case that developed acute postoperative endophthalmitis after transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy using the 23-gauge system. A 66-year-old man underwent non-sutured 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for epimacular membrane. Since the patient developed signs of acute endophthalmitis and decreased visual acuity to counting fingers on the second postoperative day, re-vitrectomy with silicone oil was performed. The patient responded well to re-vitrectomy, injection of silicone oil and intravitreal antibiotic injections. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis was cultured from vitreous samples. Silicone oil was extracted at 11 months. The patient remains stable at 14 months with a final visual acuity of 20/50.     

Endoscopic vitreoretinal surgery: Review of current applications and future trends

Endoscopy provides unique optical properties to circumvent anterior segment opacities and visualize difficult-to-access anatomical regions, including retroirideal, retrolental, ciliary body, and anterior retinal structures. We summarize the basic principles and utilization of endoscopic vitreoretinal surgery, along with recent technological advances in the field base on a structured literature search in Pubmed, Embase, and Google Scholar database up to February, 2020. Endoscopy has been used in the management of retinal detachment, ischemic retinopathies with neovascular glaucoma, severe ocular trauma, endophthalmitis, lens-related disorders in the posterior segment, pediatric vitreoretinal diseases, and implantation of retinal prostheses. Ongoing development of endoscopic technology aims to provide higher resolution images with endoscopes of smaller diameter. New surgical techniques supported by the adoption of endoscopy are available to manage challenging surgical scenarios. Endoscopy can be a useful adjunct to microscope wide-angle viewing systems in the management of complex vitreoretinal diseases.     

Outcomes of 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with encircling scleral band for acute retinal necrosis-related rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Purpose:The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomic and functional outcomes of 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (25G PPV) with encircling scleral band (ESB) in patients with acute retinal necrosis (ARN)-related rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).Methods:Single-center retrospective interventional case series of patients who underwent 25G PPV with ESB for ARN-related RRD. Complete anatomic success was defined as the complete attachment of retina after primary PPV. Functional success was measured by the final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥20/400. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also noted.Results:14 eyes of 13 patients were included in the study. Six patients (46.1%) were immunocompromised. The mean follow-up was 23.64 ± 9.95 (range 6-42) months. Silicone oil was used as tamponade in 13 eyes and C₃F₈ gas in one eye. After the primary PPV, complete anatomical success was seen in all eyes (100%), however, one eye developed phthisis bulbi after silicone oil removal (SOR). Statistically significant improvement of BCVA was seen, from LogMAR 2.03 ± 0.29 preoperatively to LogMAR 1.57 ± 0.63 postoperatively (p-value 0.014). Six eyes (42.9%) had functional success. Nine eyes (64.3%) had improvement in vision while 4 eyes (28.6%) maintained preoperative vision. 10 eyes (71.4%) underwent cataract surgery, nine eyes (64.3%) underwent SOR while 2 eyes (14.3%) had epiretinal membrane (ERM) under oil during follow-up.Conclusion:25G PPV combines the advantages of minimally invasive vitrectomy surgery while offering improved anatomic outcomes in patients with ARN-related RRD. The functional outcome varies depending on the status of the optic disc and macula.     

玻璃体切除手术后对人工晶状体度数计算的影响

目的:评估玻璃体切除手术对人工晶状体计算的影响。方法:通过测量玻璃体切除手术术前、术后角膜曲率、眼轴长等指标测算预装晶状体残留屈光度,并与术后3mo验光实测等值球镜屈光度的偏差比较验证。结果:患者玻璃体切除手术术前后角膜曲率、眼轴长无明显差异。玻璃体切除手术术前、术后预测残留屈光度和术后3mo验光实测残留屈光度分别为-0.21±0.09D,-0.36±0.08D和-0.42±0.14D,P>0.05,差异不显著。结论:玻璃体切除手术不影响对人工晶状体精确测定。     

Gentamicin-induced macular infarction in transconjunctival sutureless 25-gauge vitrectomy

Purpose State Gentamicin antibiotic prophylaxis is contraindicated in 25 gauge Transconjunctival Sutureless Vitrectomy. Methods A 75-year-old diabetic woman was affected by glaucoma and mild diabetic retinopathy in both eyes, and epiretinal membrane in the left eye. A 25-gauge Transconjunctival Sutureless Vitrectomy (TSV) was performed with self-sealing transconjunctival scletomies of the left eye. Post-operation antibiotic prophylaxis was obtained by subconconjunctival injection of Gentamicin sulfate (0.4 mg/ml) adjacent to scletomies. Results A month after the operation visual acuity had not recovered. Fluorescein angiography detected occlusion of perifoveal capillaries. Conclusion Antibiotics, in particular gentamicin, have the potential to cause significant ocular toxicity when they gain access to the inside of the eye, through thinned sclera or sutureless sclerotomies of TSV.     

晶状体超声乳化联合玻璃体手术治疗合并白内障的增生性糖尿病视网膜病变

目的分析晶状体超声乳化联合玻璃体手术治疗合并白内障的增生性糖尿病视网膜病变(PDR)的疗效。设计回顾性临床病例系列。研究对象123只合并不同程度白内障的PDR患眼。方法对123只合并不同程度白内障的PDR患眼实施晶状体超声乳化联合玻璃体手术治疗,同时I期植入人工晶状体(IOL),观察术后视力改善程度及术中术后并发症。主要指标术后视力改善程度、术后并发症发生率。结果123眼均实施晶状体超声乳化联合玻璃体手术,并同时一期植入IOL于囊袋内。随访时间3￣21月(平均10个月)。99眼(81%)术后均有不同程度的视力改善。其中93眼(76%)术后视力提高2行或以上。术后无明显角膜水肿和角膜内皮失代偿发生。1例I型糖尿病患者术后6个月发生新生血管性青光眼;1眼术后发生视网膜脱离,再次手术后复位;4眼因玻璃体腔出血再次手术。术后视力无明显改善或视力提高不足2行的病例均合并不同程度的糖尿病黄斑病变。结论晶状体超声乳化联合玻璃体手术是提高合并白内障的PDR患者视力的有效手段。糖尿病黄斑病变是影响术后视力提高的主要因素。(眼科,2006,15:198-201)     

Intraocular pressure rise during 25-gauge vitrectomy trocar placement

Purpose Small-gauge vitrectomy has been used to treat various vitreous and macular pathologies. Trocar/cannula insertion may raise intraocular pressure (IOP) to the point it might become detrimental to the eye, especially in the setting of open-globe trauma and eyes with severe vascular compromise. We propose to determine the magnitude of this IOP rise and its possible implications. Methods Three different settings were designed to measure IOP rise during trocar placement for 25 ga vitrectomy (TSV); water-column manometry was performed during trocar placement in pig eyes. Electronic applanation tonometry was recorded in human eyes undergoing 25-ga vitrectomy for macular pathology during trocar placement, and wound behavior was recorded during trocar placement in harvested dog eyes with a previously sutured corneal wound. Results The pressure recorded during trocar placement was 57.5 mmHg in pig eyes and 63.7 mmHg in human eyes. Sutured corneal wounds in dog eyes showed wound leakage and tissue incarceration during trocar insertion. Conclusions The 25-ga vitrectomy system may have limited usefulness in the setting of open-eye trauma and compromised bloodflow, due to the elevated pressures reached during trocar placement.     

玻璃体切割术中保留前囊膜的临床疗效观察

目的: 评价玻璃体手术中保留前囊膜的临床效果。方法: 选取 2004- 02/2005- 02 在我院行保留前囊膜的玻璃体晶状体联合切割手术患者 15 例, 其中巨大裂孔源性视网膜脱离患者 4 例, 糖尿病性视网膜病变(Ⅵ期)患者 2 例, 裂孔源性视网膜脱离患者 9 例(复发性裂孔原性视网膜脱离患者 3 例)PVR分级均在 C级以上。眼内注气者 6 例, 硅油填充者 9 例。追踪观察至少3mo, 根据其手术前后的视力及并发症对手术效果做出评价。结果: 所有患者术后视力都高于术前或与术前相等, 平均视力提高 3±3 行。有 8 例患者在术后 2mo 成功植入后房型人工晶状体( PCIOL) , 其中 2 例为硅油取出的同时植入, 另外 6 例为眼内注气患者。术后随访期间未发现角膜失代偿、瞳孔阻滞和视网膜再次脱离等并发症。结论: 完整保留前囊膜可以避免复杂性视网膜脱离患者在玻璃体联合晶状体切割术中和术后由于眼内注气或硅油填充而产生的并发症, 并有利于 PCIOL的植入,保留了虹膜的正常形态, 是一种理想的手术方式。     

Analysis of long-term outcomes for combined pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and glaucoma tube shunt surgery in eyes with advanced glaucoma

Purpose

To analyze 12- and 24-month visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and complications associated with combined pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and glaucoma tube shunt placement in eyes with glaucoma.

Patients and methods

A retrospective chart review was performed of patients with advanced glaucoma who underwent combined PPV and tube shunt surgery from 2006 to 2010. A minimum of 12 months of follow-up was required for their inclusion in the study. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, complications, and number of glaucoma medications at 1 and 2 years postoperatively were analyzed.

Results

Twenty-eight eyes met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Baseline visual acuity was 20/200 or worse in 14/28 eyes (50.0%) and 20/40 or better in 2/28 eyes (7.1%). Visual acuity remained 20/200 or worse in 50.0% (P=0.921) and 44.4% (P=0.973) of eyes after 1 and 2 years postoperatively, respectively. At baseline, the mean intraocular pressure was 30.4 mm Hg. There was significant improvement in mean IOP at 1 year (14.7 mm Hg, P=0.001) and at 2 years (15.2 mm Hg, P=0.001) postoperatively. Baseline number of glaucoma medications averaged 3.0±1.09 (SD), and improved to 1.8±1.28 (SD) at 1 year (P=0.0002) and to 1.4±1.33 at 2 years (P<0.0001) postoperatively.

Conclusion

In this retrospective interventional case series, surgical management of advanced glaucoma with a combination of PPV and glaucoma tube shunt resulted in significantly reduced IOP and glaucoma medications at 1 and 2 years postoperatively.     

Macular abnormalities in patients with retinitis pigmentosa: prevalence on OCT examination and outcomes of vitreoretinal surgery

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of macular abnormalities detected by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and to report the results of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in five patients with RP. Methods: OCT images of the macula of 622 eyes of 323 patients with RP were evaluated. All patients had a complete clinical examination, and PPV was performed on two RP patients with a macular hole (MH), two patients with vitreomacular traction (VMT) syndrome, and one patient with cystoid macular oedema (CME). Results: A macular lesion was detected by OCT in 46 eyes (7.4%) of 37 patients (11.5%). CME was detected in 34 eyes (5.5%) of 26 patients, an epiretinal membrane in four eyes of four patients, VMT in five eyes of four patients, and full‐thickness MH in three eyes of three patients. PPV was performed on five of these eyes. The MH was closed with vision improvement after a single surgery in one eye, and was closed after repeated PPVs with a decrease of vision in another eye. In both patients with VMT, the visual acuity decreased after the surgery. The macular morphology and visual acuity did not improve postoperatively on the one patient with CME who underwent PPV. Conclusion: When OCT is used, macular abnormalities are present in 7.4% of patients with RP, which is lower than the prevalence reported earlier. Although vitrectomy can improve the macular morphology in some patients with RP, improvement of visual function may be limited most likely because of the long‐standing retinal dysfunction.     

Surgical outcomes of epiretinal membrane removal after successful pars plana vitrectomy for retinal diseases

PURPOSE: To evaluate visual outcomes after a removal of an epiretinal membrane (ERM) secondary to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). METHODS: The medical charts of 51 consecutive patients who underwent PPV to remove an ERM were reviewed in an institutional setting. The preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was evaluated to determine if it was a possible predictor of the postoperative BCVA. The visual outcomes in the RRD, PVR, and PDR groups were compared. Follow-up periods ranged from 13 to 90 months (mean, 40.9 months). RESULTS: After the ERM was removed, the postoperative BCVA improved significantly by 0.471 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution units for all groups (t = 8.99; P < 0.001). The postoperative BCVA improved by two or more lines in 43 eyes (84.3%). Patient age and the preoperative BCVA significantly correlated with the visual improvement (P = 0.0082 and P = 0.035, respectively). CONCLUSION: The BCVA improves after removal of an ERM following PPV for eyes with RRD, PVR, or PDR. Patient age and preoperative BCVA correlated with the visual improvement after the ERM removal.     

玻璃体手术后白内障摘出术的技巧

目的　分析进行过玻璃体手术的患者行现代白内障囊外摘出术 (ex-tracapsular cataractextraction,ECCE)的特殊性及手术技巧。方法　 2 0例玻璃体切割术后患者再次入院行 ECCE,术中用前房维持器 (anterior cham berm aintainer,ACM)维持前房深度后进行手术。结果　全部患者术后眼压正常 ,未见视网膜脱离复发及脉络膜脱离 ,术后视力均有所提高。结论　这类患者无玻璃体填充 ,一旦切开前房即会出现眼内房水流出 ,眼压过低而造成眼球壁塌陷 ,使得白内障手术操作困难 ,我院采用 ACM持续灌注及自闭式切口维持眼球内压力 ,取得较好临床效果。