Abstract
Purpose: :
To investigate the effect of Seprafilm®(Genzyme, Cambridge, MA), a bioresorbable translucent membrane, for patching retinal breaks during vitreous surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in rabbit eyes.
Methods: :
Seprafilm® has been widely used to prevent postoperative adhesion in abdominal and pelvic surgery. Six Dutch pigmented rabbits (postnatal 15 weeks, approximately 4 kg) underwent lensectomy and 3–port vitrectomy followed by creation of retinal breaks and retinal detachments. After fluid–air exchange was performed to reattach the retina, Seprafilm® was placed over the retinal breaks in 3 rabbits (study group). In 3 rabbits (control group), the same procedures were performed without Seprafilm® application. All experiments were carried out in the right eyes. Funduscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were carried out periodically All rabbits were sacrificed 3 months after surgery and the eyes were enucleated for histologic examination.
Results: :
All retinas in the study group stayed reattached over 3 months’ observation. Funduscopy showed retinal atrophy in the area of Seprafilm® application 4 weeks after surgery. OCT showed that Seprafilm® adhered to the retina for at least 2 weeks after surgery. In the control group, retinal redetachment occurred in all eyes 3 days after surgery resulting in proliferative vitreoretinopathy 2 weeks after surgery. Histologic examination in the study group showed thin retinas and a damaged retinal layer. A small amount of inflammatory cells was observed in the retina but no proliferation.
Conclusions: :
We successfully closed the retinal breaks with Seprafilm® in rabbit eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachments. The retinal damage was considered to result from surgical technique, fluid–air exchange. Seprafilm® is a candidate material for a sealant to patch retinal breaks and prevent retinal redetachment and proliferative vitreoretinopathy.
Keywords: retina • retinal detachment • proliferative vitreoretinopathy