Primary 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy in pseudophakic retinal detachment.

AIMS: There are few reports on 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV) in cases of pseudophakic retinal detachment. We conducted this study to report the anatomic and functional outcomes of 25-gauge TSV in the treatment of primary pseudophakic retinal detachment (RD).

DESIGN

Prospective, interventional case series.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Fifteen eyes of 15 patients with RD after cataract surgery with phacoemulsification were evaluated. Primary pseudophakic RDs with macular detachment and proliferative vitreoretinopathy Stage B or less were included in the study. Pars plana vitrectomy with the 25-gauge TSV system, perfluorocarbon liquid injection followed by air exchange, endolaser photocoagulation and sulfur hexafluoride gas (20%) injection were applied to all eyes.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up time was 9.2 months (range, six to 12 months). Retinal reattachment with a single operation was achieved in 93% of eyes and with additional surgery, the retina was reattached in 100% of eyes. Preoperative visual acuity was less than 20/200 in all eyes (range, hand motions to 20/400). Postoperative visual acuity was 20/40 or better in eight eyes (53%) and between 20/50 and 20/200 in seven eyes (47%). No severe hypotony was encountered and no sutures were required to close the scleral and conjunctival openings. Postoperative complications were macular pucker in one eye (7%) and cystoid macular edema in another eye (7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Primary 25-gauge TSV system appears to be an effective and safe procedure in the treatment of uncomplicated pseudophakic RD.