Abstract
Purpose: :
We developed a new technique to easily visualize vitreous fibers during vitrectomy to aid in the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD)
Methods: :
We used diathermy to cauterize the vitreous fibers connected to lattice degeneration in 20 and 23 gauge vitrectomy. Diathermy was performed using an Accurus (Alcon) with an initial power of 25%, and increased until the vitreous fibers became slightly white and gas bubble appeared, at which point the vitreous fibers cauterized. When the vitreous fibers could not be removed with only the vitreous cutter, vitreous scissors were used, resulting in adequate removal of the fibers.
Results: :
Vitrectomy was performed on 114 patients to treat primary RRDs and this technique was used on the 46 patients that presented with lattice degeneration. We could adequately remove vitreous fibers from the vitreous base to the lattice degeneration in all cases and there were no cases in which retinal holes occurred in the treated region during or after surgery. None of the patients who received this technique had retinal re-detachment after surgery.
Conclusions: :
Our technique is a simple and effective method for visualizing the vitreous fibers connected to the lattice degeneration for removal during vitrectomy to treat RRD.
Keywords: vitreoretinal surgery • retinal detachment • retina