Abstract
Purpose: :
The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of 23 Gauge Trans conjunctival Sutureless Vitrectomy (TSV) system for various vitreo–retinal surgical procedures.
Methods: :
We performed various vitreo–retinal surgical procedures for 12 eyes using 23 G TSV. The main indications for the surgery were retinal detachment, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, vitreous haemorrhage, dropped nucleus and tractional retinal detachment. Three patients received gas tamponade at the end of the operation. There was no need of suture to close the conjunctival or scleral opening site. The patients were examined daily for the first two days after the procedures and at four weeks interval thereafter. The average follow–up was six weeks.
Results: :
The surgical procedures using the 23 G TSV were almost similar to the standard 20 G vitrectomy system. We could accomplish the surgical goal in all cases. The mean post–op intraocular pressure on first post–operative day was 16 mm of Hg. We found minimal subconjunctival haemorrhage in four cases. No complications resulted from the opening site. The light source, infusion flow rate, cutting rate and rigidity of instruments were quite comparable with standard 20 G vitrectomy system. The minimal flexibility of the instruments had no negative intra operative effects.
Conclusions: :
The 23 Gauge Trans conjunctival Sutureless Vitrectomy system (TSV) has all advantages of the minimally invasive trans conjunctival vitrectomy system. It requires no scleral sutures, causes minimal or no conjunctival trauma. It has an added advantage of large and sturdier instrumentation. The 23 G TCV is as effective and safe as 20 G standard vitrectomy system but has significantly reduced surgical and rehabilitation time.
Keywords: vitreous • retinal detachment • vitreoretinal surgery