Refractive Outcomes following Vitrectomy and Phacovitrectomy in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Background Cataracts are commonly seen during the diagnosis of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) or occur following its surgical management. Refractive changes following combined phacoemulsification and vitrectomy (phacovitrectomy) can affect the quality of vision. This study aimed to evaluate the refractive changes following vitrectomy versus phacovitrectomy in patients with RRD. Methods A total of 96 patients who underwent retinal surgery for RRD in one eye, between August 2016 and January 2018, were enrolled and divided into three groups. In 18 eyes, 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (23G TSV) was performed (group A); 25G TSV was performed in 49 eyes (group B), and phacovitrectomy with 25G TSV was performed in 29 eyes (group C). Silicone oil was injected after the surgery in all three groups. Anterior and posterior corneal astigmatism, axial length (AL), and anterior chamber depth (ACD) were measured at baseline and postoperatively at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. Results Anterior and posterior corneal astigmatism did not change, and AL continued to increase for 3 months after surgery, whereas ACD decreased postoperatively but quickly returned to baseline in groups A and B. In group C, anterior and posterior corneal astigmatism, AL, and ACD increased postoperatively, and corneal astigmatism returned to baseline by 3 months, but AL and ACD continued to increase for 3 months. Conclusion Vitrectomy alone does not affect anterior or posterior corneal astigmatism. Following vitrectomy, the AL increases, while the ACD decreases transiently. When vitrectomy is combined with phacoemulsification for cataract removal, the anterior and posterior corneal astigmatism increases transiently, while AL and ACD are enlarged for several months following surgery.

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.

The Incidence of Retinal Breaks Induced by Posterior Hyaloid Separation During 27-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy

Purpose: As advances are made in smaller-gauge vitrectomy, it is important to characterize the associated risks. This allows the surgeon to anticipate complications and appropriately counsel patients. The incidence of iatrogenic retinal breaks in 25- and 23-gauge (G) vitrectomy is known, but no studies exist looking at the incidence in 27G vitrectomy with an attached posterior hyaloid face (PHF). This study set out to characterize the incidence. Methods: A retrospective, consecutive, observational study of patients undergoing 27G transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy for macular pathology or floaters was conducted. This was a single-surgeon series conducted between 2015 and 2017 at Calderdale Royal Hospital, United Kingdom. Inclusion criteria included only those with an attached PHF at the disc, identified intraoperatively. Results: Data were collected and analyzed in 94 patients. Preoperative diagnosis frequency was as follows: epiretinal membrane 24 (25.5%), macular hole 47 (50.0%), vitreomacular traction 11 (11.7%), and floaters 12 (12.8%). In 82 out of 94 patients (89.1%), 27G vitrectomy was combined with 2.2 mm microincisional phacoemulsification with lens implantation. The incidence of iatrogenic retinal breaks associated with PHF separation during 27G PPV was 17% (16 cases). Conclusions: This is the first study to report the incidence of peripheral retinal breaks induced by PHF separation during 27G vitrectomy. Our single-surgeon case series of 27G PPV for all elective vitreoretinal indications, in eyes with attached vitreous, yielded an iatrogenic break rate of 17%. However, no postoperative retinal detachments followed. Statistical analysis revealed no specific risk factors to be significantly associated with outcome (incidence of retinal tear).

A Propensity-Score Matching Comparison between 27-Gauge and 25-Gauge Vitrectomy Systems for the Repair of Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Purpose. To compare the anatomical and visual results and complications of 27-gauge versus 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy for the management of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Methods. A prospective, propensity score-matched 6-month study was performed. All patients underwent either 27-gauge or 25-gauge vitrectomy as the first surgical intervention and were followed up over a 6-month period, in order to evaluate anatomical success, change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and intraoperative and postoperative complications including intraocular pressure dysregulation. Results. Propensity score matching resulted in two groups of 37 eyes each. All eyes completed a six-month follow-up. Baseline demographic and preoperative ocular characteristics showed no statistically significant difference between the two cohorts. The single operation success rate was 33/37 (89%) for 27-gauge cases and 34/37 (92%) for 25-gauge cases (p=0.7). The final anatomical success rate was 100% for each of the two cohorts. Mean BCVA change at the 6-month postoperative follow-up visit was −0.67 logMAR in the 27-gauge group and −0.71 logMAR in the 25-gauge group (p=0.9). Two patients in the 25-gauge group experienced transient hypotony after surgery. Conclusion. No significant difference between 27-gauge and 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy for the repair of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was recorded in terms of reattachment rate, BCVA, intraoperative and postoperative complications.