25–Gauge Transconjunctival Vitrectomy Safety: Post–operative Complications

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To evaluate the rate of post–operative complications of 25–gauge vitreoretinal surgery. Methods: A consecutive series of 209 eyes in 200 patients that underwent 25–gauge vitrectomy between April 2002 and October 2003 was studied prospectively. The primary outcome measure was any post–operative complications, defined as any adverse event or decrease in vision that could possibly be attributed to surgery. Results: Of the 209 eyes studied, 45 (22%) had postoperative complications as defined above. The mean follow–up was 12 months (range 3 to 29 months). The complications included retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy in 10/209 (4.8 %), vitreous hemorrhage in 9/209 (4.3%), recurrent macular pucker in 4/209 (1.9%), macular pucker in 5/209 (2.4 %), neovascular glaucoma in 5/209(2.4%), recurrent macular hole in 5/209(2.4%), cystoid macular edema in 4/209 (1.9%), retinal detachment in 2/209 (1%), and dislocated posterior chamber intraocular lens in 1/209 (0.5%). Conclusions: 25–gauge vitrectomy is safe and effective. While this study lacks a prospective control group, the rates of post–operative complications appear to be comparable to that of the 20–gauge vitrectomy.

Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: outcomes/complications • retina • vitreous