[Clinical outcomes of cataract surgery combined with 23-gauge vitrectomy].

PURPOSE: To report the clinical outcomes of cataract surgery (phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation) combined with 23-gauge vitrectomy, and to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this technique.

METHODS

A retrospective, consecutive, non-comparative study which included 105 eyes. Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation (in the capsular sac) combined with 23-gauge vitrectomy were performed. Indications for undergoing surgery were varied. Best corrected logMAR visual acuity (VA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured pre- and postoperatively, and postoperative complications were recorded.

RESULTS

Patients were followed-up for a mean of 16.6±9.9 months. The mean preoperative VA was 0.83±0.40 logMAR, and mean postoperative VA one month after surgery was 0.44±0.38 logMAR. The postoperative visual acuity improved in 83.8% of cases. The mean preoperative IOP was 16.6±3.7mmHg, while the mean postoperative IOP was 22.5±12.8mmHg (1 day after surgery), 17.5±6.8mmHg (after 1 week), and 15.3±3.8mmHg (after 1 month). Postoperative complications included posterior capsular opacification (n=5), macular edema (n=4), corneal de-epithelization (n=3), retinal detachment (n=2), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (n=2), choroidal detachment (n=1), macular hole (n=1), vitreous hemorrhage (n=1), epiretinal membrane (n=1), and transient elevated intraocular pressure (n=36).

CONCLUSIONS

The surgery reported in this study involving phacoemulsification combined with 23-gauge vitrectomy was found to be safe and effective, and was associated with improved clinical features, including rapid rehabilitation, a low incidence of complications, and avoids repeat surgery.