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.