23- vs 20-gauge pars plana vitrectomy in combination with bimanual microincisional cataract surgery (b-MICS) for the treatment of macular hole and cataract as a one-step procedure

Background/aims

23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (ppv) is a new method for vitreo-retinal surgery. It may reduce operation time, the risk of complications, and patient discomfort, especially in combination with simultaneous bimanual microincisional cataract surgery (b-MICS).

Methods

Seventy-five consecutive patients who underwent combined cataract surgery and ppv at our center between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2010 were included. The first 36 patients were treated with 20-gauge ppv, the following 39 patients with 23-gauge ppv. Study end points 8 weeks after surgery were duration of the procedure, improvement of visual acuity, and occurrence of complications.

Results

Duration of surgery was reduced in 23- vs 20-gauge ppv (54.0±11.6 vs 61.0±19.0 min, P=0.08). Visual acuity improved significantly in both the groups (20-gauge: logMAR 0.750±0.304 before and 0.369±0.273 after surgery; 23-gauge: logMAR 0.663±0.340 before and 0.339±0.273 after surgery). There were no appreciable group differences in baseline or post-treatment visual acuity.

Conclusions

23-gauge ppv in combination with b-MICS is a suitable, safe, and effective method for the treatment of combined cataract and vitreo-retinal diseases. The procedure is somewhat shorter and patient discomfort during and after surgery is improved. In terms of efficacy and safety, 23-gauge ppv is equivalent with conventional 20-gauge ppv.