Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: 25–gauge sutureless vitrectomy is an emerging technique in vitreoretinal surgery. This study reports the first 50 consecutive patients who underwent 25–gauge vitrectomy (Dutch Ophthalmic, The Netherlands / Alcon, Fort Worth, Texas) at the New England Eye Center. Methods: The first 50 consecutive patients undergoing 25–gauge vitrectomy were followed prospectively. Snellen visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and optical coherence tomography were assessed at baseline, three– and six– months following surgery. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were documented. Results: Preoperative diagnoses included epiretinal membranes, vitreomacular traction syndrome, macular edema associated with proliferate diabetic retinopathy, macular holes, and retinal detachment. Ten patients had simultaneous phacoemulsification and intraocular lens placement. There were no intraoperative complications. One inferior retinal detachment and two vitreous hemorrhages of unknown source were observed in the postoperative period. No patients experienced postoperative hypotony or endophthalmitis. As compared to 20–gauge vitrectomy, the postoperative period was notable for less postoperative injection, inflammation and discomfort as well as a faster recovery. Three– and six– month outcomes will be presented. Conclusions:25–gauge vitrectomy appears to be a promising technique for a variety of vitreoretinal diseases with few complications. Patients seem to experience a faster recovery as well as less postoperative discomfort.
Keywords: vitreoretinal surgery