Pressurized Perfluorocarbon-Perfused 23 Ga Vitrectomy in Complicated Tractional Diabetic Retinal Detachment

Abstract

Methods: : The study was reviewed and approved by the institutional ethics board and was performed according to the tenets of the declaration of Helsinki. We included consecutive patients who were scheduled for vitrectomy for diabetic tractional retinal detachment. All of them underwent 23GA three-port pars plana vitrectomy using a pressurized system of PCL infusion. The measured variables were: total surgical time, effective vitrectomy time and the amount of consumed PFC.

Results: : We included twelve eyes of 12 consecutive patients to the study. Patient mean age was 44.6 years (SD±13.32). The mean total surgical time was 1 hour and 18 minutes (±22.3min). Effective vitrectomy time was 19 minutes (±6.41min). The total amount of PCL used was 30ml (±19.08ml). The retina remained attached in 90% of the cases until the 90-day follow-up visit.

Conclusions: : The combined technique allowed the management of complicated cases of diabetic tractional retinal detachment, using minimal amounts of PCL during the procedure. The procedure was safe and no major complications were observed.

Clinical Trial: : www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT00404209

Keywords: retinal detachment • diabetic retinopathy • vitreoretinal surgery