Clinical presentation of a mixed 23-gauge infusion and 20-gauge pars plana technique for active silicone oil removal

AIM: To present with a clinical case series of a mixed 23-gauge infusion and 20-gauge pars plana technique for 5,700-centipoise silicone oil removal (SOR), and to discuss its efficacy and safety.METHODS: This is a retrospective, non-randomized controlled study. We performed SOR with 23-gauge infusion and 20-gauge active suction technique on 29 patients 29 eyes from April to October, 2011 (mixed group). During the surgeries, a 23-gauge sclerotomy was made for infusion and a 20-gauge sclerotomy was used for active silicone oil suction. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) was applied for 23-gauge sclerotomy analysis 1 day post-operation. Traditional 20-gauge SOR was performed on another consecutive 29 patients 29 eyes, the control group (20G group).RESULTS: There were 2 eyes (6.9%) in mixed group and 5 eyes (17.2%) in 20G group which had recurrent retinal detachment after surgery. Hopytony (IOP≤6mmHg) occurred in 8 eyes (27.6%) of mixed group and in 10 eyes (34.5%) of 20G group post-operation, but all of them recovered to the normal level finally. There were no statistical significant differences. Final visual acuity was significantly increased after surgery in both groups. Anterior segment OCT images were acquired from 13 eyes of mixed group, and all of them had a proper wound apposition. But local ciliary detachment was found in 9 eyes (69%). It was hard to define the OCT image of the sclerotomies and ciliary body because of the serious conjunctival hemorrhages and chemosis in 20G group.CONCLUSION: This mixed technique is a convenient and effective way to remove high viscosity silicone oil. Compared with traditional 20-gauge SOR, it does not increase the risk of post-operative complications and has less conjunctival reactions.. Transient postoperative hypotony is common for this procedure and subclinical ciliochoroidal detachment is a probable cause.     

Combined 23-gauge microincisonal vitrectomy surgery and phacoemulsification with AcrySof toric intraocular lens implantation: a comparative study

Aim

To compare AcrySof toric intraocular lens (IOL) and non-toric IOL in patients who had combined 23-gauge microincisional vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) and phacoemulsification for vitreoretinal diseases and cataract with pre-existing corneal astigmatism.

Methods

This is a prospective comparative study comprised of 30 patients (30 eyes) who had combined 23-gauge MIVS and phacoemulsification for vitreoretinal diseases and cataract with pre-existing regular corneal astigmatism greater than 1 diopters (D). In all, 15 eyes had AcrySof toric IOL (Alcon Laboratories) and 15 eyes had non-toric IOL (Akreos AO MI60; Bausch & Lomb) implantation. Main outcome measures were uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), refractive cylinder, surgically induced astigmatism (SIA), and IOL misalignment during 6 months.

Results

The mean UCVA of the toric IOL group was better than the non-toric IOL group at postoperative months 1, 3, and 6 (P<0.001, respectively). The mean absolute residual refractive cylinder of the toric IOL group at postoperative week 1, and months 1, 3, and 6 was less than the non-toric IOL group (P=0.008, <0.001, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). There was no difference in the mean SIA between the two groups (P>0.05, respectively). The mean toric IOL axis rotation was 3.52±2.75°, which was within 5° in 66.7% of the toric IOL group and within 10° in 100%.

Conclusions

Combined 23-gauge MIVS and phacoemulsification with AcrySof toric IOL implantation is an effective method of correcting vitreoretinal diseases and cataract and pre-existing corneal astigmatism, and the toric IOL showed good rotational stability, even in vitrectomized eyes for 6 months.     

The incidence and distribution of iatrogenic retinal tears in 20-gauge and 23-gauge vitrectomy

Purpose

The development of 23-gauge vitrectomy surgery has many benefits including a reduction in surgical time and faster postoperative rehabilitation; however, some have suggested that the complication rate is higher. To assess this we compared the incidence and distribution of iatrogenic retinal tears in 20- and 23-gauge surgery.

Methods

Fifty consecutive 23-gauge and 50 consecutive 20-gauge vitrectomy cases were selected; eyes with a history of previous vitreoretinal surgery were excluded. All surgery was performed by two surgeons (JL and RN). Entry-site breaks (ESB) were defined as any new vitreoretinal abnormality occurring within 1 clock hour of an entry site for which treatment with cryotherapy was deemed necessary. Data were collected by retrospective case note review. Statistical analysis was carried out using Fisher''s exact and χ²-tests.

Results

ESB occurred in 24% (12/50) of cases in the 20-gauge group compared with 8% (4/50) in the 23-gauge group (P=0.03); 88% (14/16) occurred superiorly on the same side as the surgeons'' dominant hand. Iatrogenic breaks recorded elsewhere indicated an increased incidence in the 20-gauge group (9/50 compared with 6/50 in 23-gauge) but this did not achieve significance; the most common position was at 6 o''clock.

Conclusions

23-Gauge vitrectomy is associated with significantly fewer ESB when compared with conventional 20-gauge vitrectomy. The incidence of other iatrogenic breaks did not appear to be significantly different between the two groups.     

Comparison of Efficacy and Safety between Transconjunctival 23-Gauge and Conventional 20-Gauge Vitrectomy Systems in Macular Surgery

Purpose

To compare the efficacy and safety of 23-gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy with the conventional 20-gauge method in idiopathic epiretinal membrane and macular hole surgery.

Methods

Sixty-one consecutive patients undergoing vitrectomy for idiopathic epiretinal membrane and macular hole were recruited to either 20- or 23-gauge vitrectomy groups and prospectively evaluated. Surgical success rates, operating time, surgery-related complications, long-term visual outcomes, and postoperative ocular surface problems are compared in the two groups.

Results

There were 31 eyes in the 20-gauge group and 33 eyes in the 23-gauge group. The macular hole closure rate after the first surgery was 83% and 90.9% in the 20-gauge and 23-gauge groups, respectively, with no significant difference between groups (p = 0.59). The success rate for idiopathic epiretinal membranes cases was 100% in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference between overall surgical times (p = 0.90). None of the patients in either group experienced postoperative complications of severe postoperative hypotony, vitreous hemorrhage or endophthalmitis, except one eye in the 20-gauge group, which was found to have retinal detachment. In both groups, statistically significant improvement in visual acuity was achieved 1-month postoperatively (p = 0.002) and thereafter at all postoperative visits (p < 0.05). The mean ocular surface scores were significantly lower in the 23-gauge group at all postoperative visits compared with the 20-gauge group scores (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Transconjunctival 23-gauge vitrectomy appears to be as effective and safe as conventional 20-gauge vitrectomy in idiopathic epiretinal membrane and macular hole surgeries.     

Comparison of postoperative intraocular pressure changes between 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy and conventional 20-gauge vitrectomy

Purpose

To compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) after 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV) and conventional 20-gauge vitrectomy for various vitreoretinal diseases.

Methods

This was a retrospective interventional case series including 338 cases of 23-gauge TSV and 476 cases of 20-gauge vitrectomy with minimum follow-up period of 1 month. Postoperative 1 day, 1 week and 1 month IOPs were compared. Multiple regression analysis to assess the actual effect of gauge of vitrectomy on postoperative IOP was performed including intraoperative and postoperative factors influencing postoperative IOP as covariates.

Results

The mean IOP of 20-gauge vitrectomy was significantly higher than that of 23-gauge TSV (20.6±8.02 mm Hg vs12.8±4.48 mm Hg, P<0.001) at postoperative day 1, but the differences were not significant at postoperative 1 week and 1 month. The IOP pattern of 23-gauge TSV demonstrated more stable course than that of 20-gauge vitrectomy. At 1 day post vitrectomy, the incidence of hypertony was higher in 20-gauge, whereas that of hypotony was higher in 23-gauge. Among risk factors, the 20-gauge vitrectomy showed the strongest association with postoperative 1 day IOP rise.

Conclusion

Twenty-three-gauge TSV has stable and lower IOP in the early postoperative period than the 20-gauge vitrectomy. In patients whose retina and optic nerves are vulnerable to higher or fluctuating IOP, 23-gauge TSV may be more beneficial.     

Macular hole in retinitis pigmentosa patients: microincision vitrectomy with polydimethylsiloxane as possible treatment

Purpose

To investigate long-term retinal changes after microincision pars plana vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) for macular hole (MH) in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients—retrospective and observational study.

Methods

Three RP patients suffering from MH were evaluated by means of best corrected visual acuity, anterior and posterior binocular examination, spectralis high-resolution optical coherence tomography, MP-1 microperimetry (MP-1), and full-field electroretinogram (ERG), before MIVS and during the 36-month follow-up. Patients underwent simultaneous MIVS and microincision cataract surgery; IOL was positioned in capsular bag. Patients were hospitalised for 2 days after the surgery. Surgical procedure was performed according the following schedule: surgical removal of crystalline lens, MIVS with 23-gauge sutureless system trocars, core vitreous body removal, peeling of the inner limiting membrane, and balanced sterile saline solution-air-micro-structured polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) exchange. PDMS tamponade, after 6 months starting from MIVS, was removed.

Results

In all patients visual acuity increased after vitrectomy as a consequence of complete MH closure and restoration of retinal architecture. None of the patients developed ocular hypertension, or re-opening of MH during the 3-year follow-up. MP-1 bivariate contour ellipse area was reduced in its dimensions and improved in all patients demonstrating a better fixation.

Conclusions

MIVS could be an effective treatment in RP patients with MH if medical therapy is not applicable or not sufficient. Finally more studies will be needed to improve knowledge about this genetic disease.     

Combined 23-gauge sutureless vitrectomy and clear corneal phacoemulsification for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair

AIM: To assess the outcomes of combined 23-gauge sutureless vitrectomy and clear corneal phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair. METHODS: This was a retrospective, consecutive, non-comparative, interventional case series of 30 eyes of 30 patients who underwent combined sutureless vitrectomy and clear corneal cataract surgery for the repair of RRD. The principal outcome measures were primary anatomical success rate, reasons for redetachment, final visual acuity, and surgical complications. RESULTS: Primary reattachment was achieved in 27 eyes (90.0%). The reasons for redetachment (3 eyes, 10%) were incomplete laser retinopexy, persistent chronic subretinal fluid, and proliferative vitreoretinopathy, respectively. The logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity (mean±SD) improved from 0.76±0.74 preoperatively to 0.21±0.37 6 months’ postoperatively (P<0.0001). Postoperative hypotony was not detected, but 1 eye (3.3%) had increased intraocular pressure (30mmHg) with spontaneous resolution. No endophthalmitis developed during follow-up. Macular pucker was detected in 3 eyes (10.0%). CONCLUSION: Combined 23-gauge sutureless vitrectomy and clear corneal phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation for RRD repair was proven safe and effective. It may provide not only the known advantages of conventional combined surgery, but also additional advantages such as less conjunctival fibrosis and the maintenance of stable intraocular pressure with low risks of postoperative hypotony and intraocular pressure elevation.     

Comparison of the 20-Gauge Conventional Vitrectomy Technique with the 23-Gauge Releasable Suture Vitrectomy Technique

Purpose

To compare the efficacy of the transconjunctival releasable suture technique for pars plana vitrectomy using 23-gauge (23G) instruments versus the conventional 20-gauge (20G) technique.

Methods

A retrospective and interventional case series was consecutively performed for 199 eyes of the 192 patients that were a part of this study. Clinical data were reviewed retrospectively regarding the operation time, preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure, visual acuity and astigmatism for 54 consecutive patients who received a 23G releasable suture vitrectomy and for 98 consecutive patients who received a 20G conventional vitrectomy during the period between April 2007 and September 2010.

Results

Mean operation time based on the operation record was 88.5 ± 20.1 minutes in the 23G releasable suture vitrectomy group and 102.1 ± 23.1 minutes in the 20G conventional vitrectomy group, respectively (p = 0.01). The last best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was significantly better than the preoperative BCVA in both patient groups (p = 0.01, p = 0.01). The 23G releasable suture group showed less surgically induced astigmatism than the 20G conventional vitrectomy group. Vitreous bleeding was observed to be in 6 eyes (5.9%) in the 23G group, and in 8 eyes (8.2%) in the 20G group. In addition, ocular hypertension was noted to be in 3 eyes (3.0%) in the 23G group, and 6 eyes (6.1%) in the 20G group. No serious complications such as postoperative hypotony or endophthalmitis were observed in either group.

Conclusions

The 23G releasable suture technique is as effective as the 20G conventional technique and offers several advantages.     

Non-buckled vitrectomy for retinal detachment with inferior breaks and proliferative vitreoretinophathy

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of non-buckled vitrectomy with classical endotamponade agents in the treatment of primary retinal detachment (RD) complicated by inferior breaks and proliferative vitreoretinophathy (PVR).METHODS: A retrospective, consecutive and case series study of 40 patients with inferior break RD and PVR ≥C1 was conducted. All patients underwent a standard 3-port 20-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with gas or silicone oil tamponade without supplementary scleral buckling. The vitreous and all proliferative membrane were completely removed, and retinectomy was performed when necessary. The mean follow-up was 12.5 months. The primary and final anatomic success rate, visual acuity and complications were recorded and analyzed.RESULTS: Primary anatomic success rate was achieved in 35 of 40 eyes (87.5%) and the final anatomic success rate was 100%. The most common cause of redetachment was recurrent PVR. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at final follow-up was improved in 34 eyes (85%), remained stable in 1 eye (2.5%), and worsened in 5 eyes (12.5%). The mean visual acuity at final follow-up was improved significantly (P=0.000).CONCLUSION: This retrospective study provides evidence that vitrectomy without scleral buckling seemed to be an effective treatment for inferior break RD with PVR. With complete removal of vitreous and proliferative membranes and timing of retinectomy, the inferior breaks which complicated with PVR could be closed successfully without additional scleral buckling.     

Pars plana Ahmed implantation combined with 23-gauge vitrectomy for refractory neovascular glaucoma in diabetic retinopathy

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a pars plana Ahmed valve implantation combined with 23-gauge sutureless vitrectomy in the treatment of patients with medically uncontrolled neovascular glaucoma (NVG) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of 11 consecutive patients with refractory NVG in PDR who underwent a 23-gauge sutureless vitrectomy combined with pars plana placement of an Ahmed valve implant. Control of intraocular pressure (IOP), pre- and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity and the development of intra- and postoperative complications were evaluated during the follow-up.

Results

The mean follow-up was 12.2 months (range, 8 to 25 months). Mean preoperative IOP was 35.9 ± 6.3 mmHg and mean postoperative IOP at the last visit was 13.3 ± 3.2 mmHg. Control of IOP (8 to 18 mmHg) was achieved in all patients, but 91% (10 of 11 patients) needed antiglaucoma medication (mean number of medications, 1.2 ± 0.6). Postoperative visual acuity improved in 11 eyes, and the logarithmically to the minimum angle of resolution mean visual acuity in these eyes improved from 1.67 ± 0.61 to 0.96 ± 0.67. The complications that occurred were transient hypotony in one case, transitory hypertension in two cases, and postoperative vitreous hemorrhage which spontaneously cleared in two cases.

Conclusions

We suggest the combination of 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy and Ahmed valve implantation is safe and effective in PDR patients with refractory NVG.     

Is day-1 postoperative review necessary after pars plana vitrectomy?

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the proportion of patients requiring alteration in management based on the findings of the day-1 postoperative visit after pars plana vitrectomy, and to identify clinical characteristics that predict the need for unexpected intervention.

Patients and methods

A retrospective case note review was conducted of all patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy and who then attended for review on the first postoperative day. All patients received routine prophylactic anti-glaucoma medication.

Results

Two hundred and seventy-three patients examined on day 1 following vitrectomy were studied. Indications for surgery included retinal detachment, epiretinal membrane, macular hole, vitreous haemorrhage, diabetic eye disease, and floaters. Twenty-gauge (20G) vitrectomy was performed in 124 eyes (45%); 23-gauge (23G) vitrectomy was performed in 149 eyes (55%). Phacoemulsification was performed concurrently in 51/273 (19%) eyes. Ten patients (3.7%) required unexpected intervention on day 1 owing to intraocular pressure (IOP) >30 (2/273), IOP <6 (5/273), or unexpected return to theatre for anterior chamber washout (3/273). There was no difference in intervention rate or day-1 IOP between 20G and 23G cases. Hypotony was less common if gas tamponade was used (χ²-test, P<0.001). Patients undergoing combined phacoemulsification and 20G vitrectomy were significantly more likely to require intervention on day 1 than patients undergoing 20G vitrectomy alone (15.0 vs 1.9%, P=0.029, Fisher''s exact test) but this was not the case for patients undergoing 23G vitrectomy (0 vs 4.2%, Fisher''s exact test, P=0.58).

Conclusions

The intervention rate on the first day after vitrectomy is low and day-1 postoperative review can be safely omitted in the majority of patients undergoing 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.     

Posterior capsule opacification following 20- and 23-gauge phacovitrectomy (posterior capsule opacification following phacovitrectomy)

Purpose

To compare the development of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) for idiopathic epi-retinal membrane cases between 20- and 23-gauge phacovitrectomy.

Methods

Cataract surgery of phacoemulsification with the SA60AT implantation and 20- or 23-gauge vitrectomy was performed for 20 patients in both groups. Cataract surgery alone was performed for 50 patients as the control. The PCO density values were measured using Scheimpflug video photography at 1 week, 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery. The number of eyes that required Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was also examined.

Results

The mean PCO value in the 20-gauge phacovitrectomy group increased significantly with time (P<0.001), whereas those in the 23-gauge phacovitrectomy group and the cataract surgery group did not show any significant change. Furthermore, the PCO value in the 20-gauge phacovitrectomy group was significantly greater than that in the 23-gauge phacovitrectomy group at 6, 12, 18 (P<0.05), and 24 months (P<0.01) after surgery. The PCO value in the 23-gauge phacovitrectomy group was significantly greater than that in the cataract surgery group 24 months after surgery (P<0.05). The rate of capsulotomy in the 20-gauge phacovitrectomy group was significantly higher than that in the cataract surgery group (P=0.007), whereas there was no significant difference between the 23-gauge phacovitrectomy group and the cataract surgery group.

Conclusion

PCO rate in eyes with the 23-gauge phacovitrectomy was lower than in those with the 20-gauge phacovitrectomy, and PCO rate even in the 23-gauge phacovitrectomy was higher than in those with cataract surgery.     

Visual and anatomical outcomes following vitrectomy for complications of diabetic retinopathy: the DRIVE UK study

Introduction

End-stage diabetic eye disease is an important cause of severe visual impairment in the working-age group. With the increasing availability of refined surgical techniques as well as the early diagnosis of disease because of screening, one would predict that the prevalence of this condition is decreasing and the visual outcome is improving.

Aim

To study the prevalence and visual outcome following vitrectomy for complications of diabetic retinopathy.

Materials and methods

This study identified the patients who underwent vitrectomy from January 2007 to December 2009 because of diabetes-related complications in South East London. Data collected included baseline demographics, best-corrected visual acuity, indication for the vitrectomy, complication, outcome, and duration of follow-up.

Results

The prevalence of people requiring vitrectomy who are registered in the diabetes register of this region was 2 per 1000 people with diabetes. Vitrectomy was required in 185 eyes of 158 patients during this period. These included 83 Caucasians, 51 Afro-Caribbeans, 17 South Asians, and 7 from other ethnic groups. There were 58 patients with type I diabetes and 100 with type II, with a mean duration of diabetes of 23 and 16.5 years, respectively. The reason for vitrectomy included tractional retinal detachment (TRD) in 109 eyes, non-clearing vitreous haemorrhage (NCVH) in 68 eyes, and other causes in 8 eyes. In all, 50% of the eyes with TRD and NCVH, and 87% of the eyes with NCVH improved by at least three ETDRS lines at 12 months. Poor predictors of visual success included longer duration of diabetes (OR: 0.69), use of insulin (OR: 0.04), presence of ischaemic heart disease (OR: 0.04), delay in surgery (OR: 0.59), and the failure to attend clinic appointments (OR: 0.58). Preoperative use of intravitreal bevacizumab in eyes with TRD undergoing vitrectomy showed a marginal beneficial effect on co-existent maculopathy (P=0.08) and required less laser intervention post procedure, but did not affect the number of episodes of late-onset vitreous haemorrhage post vitrectomy (P=0.81).

Conclusion

Visual outcome has improved significantly in eyes with complications due to diabetic retinopathy compared with the previously reported Diabetic Vitrectomy Study.     

Safety and efficacy of simultaneous bilateral 25-gauge lens-sparing vitrectomy for vascularly active stage 4 retinopathy of prematurity

Purpose

To report the safety and efficacy of simultaneous bilateral 25-gauge lens-sparing vitrectomy for vascularly active stage 4 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods

Retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series. Twenty eyes of 10 babies who presented with vascularly active stage 4 ROP in both the eyes underwent simultaneous bilateral 25-gauge lens-sparing vitrectomy. After completing surgery for one eye, the other eye was re-prepped as performed before starting any new case of a different patient and an entire new set of disposable 25-gauge instruments were used. During the post-operative period parents were advised to keep separate eye drops for each eye and to wash their hands in between switching the eyes to put the drops.

Results

The mean follow-up was 8.7 months (range 4–17 months). None of the cases developed any signs of infection. The anatomic success rate for stage 4a was 100% (11/11 eyes) and for stage 4b was 8/9 eyes (89%).

Conclusion

These results show that simultaneous bilateral 25-gauge lens-sparing vitrectomy for stage 4 ROP is a safe and effective procedure with a good outcome provided both eyes of the baby are treated as eyes of two different patients.     

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.     

Use of systemic steroid after successful macular surgery in eyes with epiretinal membrane: a randomized, controlled clinical study

Purpose

To evaluate the functional and morphological outcomes of postoperative systemic steroid therapy after successful macular surgery in eyes with macular edema due to idiopathic macular epiretinal membranes (ERMs).

Design

Prospective, randomized, investigator-masked, controlled clinical study.

Methods

Twenty-eight patients scheduled for 23-gauge vitrectomy combined with ERM and inner limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for macular edema due to ERM were included in this single center trial. Patients were randomized to receive oral steroid therapy (Prednisolone, 100 mg per day for 5 days) or no oral steroid (control group) after surgery. Main outcome measures included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA; Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study), central retinal thickness (CRT), retinal volume (RV), and macular morphology as determined by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT, Cirrus). Examinations were carried out preoperatively and at week 1, at months 1 and 3, postoperatively.

Results

At month 3, mean BCVA improved to a eight-letter gain in each study group (P<0.01 compared with baseline for both groups), showing no statistically significant difference between both the groups (P=0.19). Morphologically, retinal surface folds resolved within 1 month after surgery in both treatment groups, followed by a progressive recovery of retinal layer integrity and a statistical significant (P<0.01) decrease in CRT and RV without significant differences between both groups (P=0.62, P=0.13, respectively, ANOVA between the groups).

Conclusion

The early postoperative use of systemic steroid treatment after successful vitrectomy combined with ERM and ILM peeling does not seem to improve significantly the anatomic and functional outcomes in eyes with ERM.     

Bevacizumab prior to vitrectomy for diabetic traction retinal detachment

Purpose

To assess the efficacy and safety of preoperative intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) before vitrectomy for diabetic tractional retinal detachment (TRD).

Methods

Using ICD-9 codes, we located all patients with diabetic TRD who underwent 3-port 20-gauge vitrectomy primarily performed by one surgeon between January 2004 and January 2009. Eyes receiving IVB were compared with those not. The following outcomes were compared: visual acuity (VA), duration of surgery, and complication rates.

Results

A total of 99 eyes of 90 patients were included in the analysis. In all, 34 patients received IVB on an average of 11.5 (range, 3–30) days previtrectomy. Age was 46.5 and 51.6 in the IVB and non-IVB groups, respectively. VA was improved significantly in both groups: from 20/617 to 20/62 in the IVB group, and from 20/443 to 20/86 in the non-IVB group (P=0.11 between groups). Operating time and postoperative complications (glaucoma, RD, and revitrectomy rate) were similar in both groups. On comparing IVB and non-IVB eyes in younger patients (≤40), operating time was shorter (P=0.02) and a trend to better VA in the IVB group was seen.

Conclusions

Preoperative IVB may be a useful adjunct to vitrectomy for severe PDR complicated by TRD, particularly in younger diabetics.     

Surgically induced astigmatism in combined phacoemulsification and vitrectomy; 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy versus 20-gauge standard vitrectomy

Background

To study the surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) in combined phacoemulsification with 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV) versus combined phacoemulsification with 20-gauge standard vitrectomy.

Methods

This is a prospective comparative study comprised of 40 eyes from 37 consecutive patients. Twenty eyes (19 patients) underwent combined phacoemulsification and 23-gauge TSV, and 20 eyes (18 patients) underwent combined phacoemulsification and 20-gauge standard vitrectomy. Corneal topography was obtained preoperatively and postoperatively at weeks 1, 4, 8, and 12. Main outcome measurement was SIA consisting of astigmatic amplitude and axis from cross cylinder form calculated by rectangular coordinate method using the Holladay-Cravy-Koch formula.

Results

The mean SIA was 1.07?±?0.57 diopters (D) in the 23-gauge TSV group and 2.09?±?0.81 D in the 20-gauge group at postoperative week 1. SIA of both groups at weeks 4, 8, and 12 significantly decreased from the SIA at postoperative week 1 (p?<?0.0001 for all 3 weeks). SIA of the 23-gauge TSV group was significantly less than that of the 20-gauge standard vitrectomy group at each postoperative period (p?=?0.001). SIA of the gas tamponade group in the 23-gauge TSV was significantly greater than that of the non-gas tamponade group at postoperative week one (p?=?0.039). Shifts of axis to other meridians returned to preoperative meridian in 12 eyes (85.7%) for the 23-gauge group and seven eyes (43.8%) for the 20-gauge group.

Conclusion

Combined phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy (23-gauge and 20-gauge) could induce significant SIA at postoperative week 1, and decrease over 3 months. However, 23-gauge TSV showed less SIA and early stabilization compared to the 20-gauge standard vitrectomy.     

23-gauge vitrectomy with intraocular foreign body removal via the limbus: An alternative approach for select cases

Purpose:

To study the outcome of removal of retained intraocular foreign bodies (RIOFBs) via limbus using 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV).

Materials and Methods:

In this prospective, non-comparative interventional case series, fourteen eyes of 14 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled. They underwent 23-gauge TSV for management of posterior segment RIOFB and reviewed at 1 day, 7 days, 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months. Eyes with penetrating eye injury involving cornea or limbus (corneal injury not so severe to hinder vitrectomy), cataract associated with anterior and/or posterior capsular tear requiring cataract surgery and posterior segment RIOFB with minimal posterior segment involvement were included. Main outcome measures include success in removal of RIOFB without enlarging sclerotomy, ability to preserve capsular support, improvement in visual acuity and complications, if any.

Results:

All eyes underwent the successful RIOFB removal through limbal port without enlarging scleral ports. None of the eyes required suturing of the sclera, cornea or conjunctiva. Anterior capsular rim could be preserved in all eyes except one. Postoperatively follow up ranged from one year in 8, 6 months in 4 and 3 months in 2 eyes. The mean logMAR visual acuity at 3, 6, and 12 months showed significant improvement. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications include microscopic hyphema and loose blood in vitreous cavity in one eye.

Conclusion:

The advantages of 23-gauge TSV for removal of RIOFB may be passed on to select cases. RIOFB removal through limbal route obviated the need for scleral port enlargement and preserved capsular support for early visual rehabilitation.