Removal of Densiron-68 with a 23-gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy system.

PURPOSE: To report a new approach for removal of Densiron-68 via pars plana with a 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy system (TSVS).

METHODS

Prospective, interventional case series. Ten eyes (4 phakic, 5 pseudophakic, 1 aphakic) of 10 patients underwent Densiron-68 (1480 mPa viscosity and 1.06 g/ml specific gravity) removal via pars plana with a suction pressure of 600-mmHg vacuum through a short 23-gauge silicon cannula.ResultsDensiron-68 was completely removed from all eyes. Retinal reattachment was achieved in all cases. The intraocular pressure was 20.9 (SD 3.5) mmHg at baseline, 12.2 (SD 4) mmHg at day 1 postoperatively, and 13.6 (SD 2.9), 15.4 (SD 2.5), and 16 (SD 1.8) mmHg after 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months, respectively. Five eyes needed suture of at least one sclerotomy. Postoperative hypotony (<or=8 mmHg) was seen in 2 out of 10 eyes (20%). No additional postoperative procedure was necessary.

CONCLUSIONS

Active removal of Densiron-68 with a 23-gauge short cannula is a simple, innovative, and safe technique that can help reduce surgical trauma.