Vitrectomy combined with endolaser or an encircling scleral buckle in primary retinal detachment surgery: a pilot study

REtinal Detachment Outcomes Study (REDOS): study protocol for a factorial, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Few large randomized controlled trials provide strong evidence to guide surgical repair of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair. The purpose of this factorial, single-blind, randomized controlled trial is to analyze and compare the surgical outcomes, functional visual outcomes, complications, and quality of life associated with RRD repair using (A) pars plana vitrectomy only (PPV) or PPV with scleral buckle (PPV-SB) and (B) sulfur hexafluoride gas (SF6) or perfluoropropane gas (C3F8) tamponade.

METHODS

Eligible patients with moderately complex RRD will be randomized 1:1 to PPV or PPV-SB and 1:1 to SF6 or C3F8 gas tamponade. Approximately 560 patients will be recruited to be able to detect a difference of around 10% in SSAS rate between the groups. Patients will be followed using multimodal imaging and quality of life questionnaires after the surgical repair until 1 year postoperative. The primary outcome will be a single-surgery anatomic success (SSAS), defined as the absence of reoperation for recurrent RRD in the operating room. Secondary outcomes will be pinhole visual acuity (PHVA) at 8-10 weeks and 6 months, final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), final retina status (i.e., attached or detached), time to onset of RRD recurrence, severity and number of complications, and questionnaire results.

DISCUSSION

This will be the first 2 × 2 factorial RCT examining repair techniques in primary RRD. It will also be the first RCT to compare gas tamponade between the two most common agents. Notably, it will be adequately powered to detect a clinically significant effect size. The use of multimodal imaging will also be a novel aspect of this study, allowing us to compare head-to-head the impact of adding an SB to the retina's recovery after RRD repair and of differing gas tamponades. Until now, the treatment of RRD has been largely guided by pragmatic retrospective cohort studies. There is a lack of strong evidence guiding therapeutic decisions and this trial will address (1) whether supplemental SB is justified and (2) whether longer duration gas tamponade with C3F8 is necessary.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05863312. Registered on 18 May 2023.

Novel classification system for management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with minimally invasive detachment surgery: a network meta-analysis of randomized trials focused on patient-centred outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To describe a novel classification system for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) based on level 1 evidence assessing the functional outcomes of repair techniques with the goal of using a minimally invasive detachment surgery.

METHODS

A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials comparing pneumatic retinopexy (PnR), scleral buckle (SB), or pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for RRD was conducted. Primary outcomes were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), metamorphopsia, and operative complications. A meta-analysis was performed with a random effects maximum likelihood model, with outcomes of standardized mean difference (SMD) or risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were assessed to inform a classification system.

RESULTS

Fourteen trials were included. RRDs were classified from categories 1-3 based on configuration (simple to complex). There was no significant difference in final BCVA between PnR and PPV (categories 1 and 2; SMD = -0.10, 95% CI -0.24 to 0.04), nor was a final BVCA difference found between SB and PPV (SMD = 0.01, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.08), combined SB + PPV and PPV (SMD = 0.02, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.12), or combined SB + PPV and SB (SMD = 0.01, 95% CI -0.11 to 0.12). SB had an elevated risk of choroidal detachment (RR = 5.17, 95% CI 1.68-15.97), hypotony (RR = 12.26, 95% CI 1.63-92.04), and strabismus or diplopia (RR = 5.86, 95% CI 1.04-32.91) compared with PPV but a lower risk of iatrogenic breaks (RR = 0.08, 95% CI 0.02-0.43). Vertical metamorphopsia scores were superior for PnR over PPV at 12 months (Pneumatic Retinopexy versus Vitrectomy for the Management of Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Outcomes Randomized Trial, p = 0.026).

CONCLUSION

This novel classification system may be useful for future trials assessing morphologic categories of RRD in a systematic manner. Minimally invasive detachment surgery may allow for trials to focus on maximizing functional outcomes while minimizing morbidity.

Retinal surgery quality indicators for uncomplicated primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment without a national registry

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the possibility of analysing quality indicators for uncomplicated primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in a hospital department of ophthalmology without the support of a national registry or need to collect data from referring ophthalmological centres.

METHODS

In 2014, we operated 231 consecutive eyes with uncomplicated retinal detachment. Our quality indicators were primary anatomical success, final anatomical success and postoperative endophthalmitis. We reviewed medical records in our university surgical department retrospectively and compared them with medical records from the regional hospitals that had referred most of the operated patients and done their own postoperative examination. Our hypothesis was that any retinal re-detachment and/or serious postoperative complication would be reported back.

RESULTS

The medical records at the surgical department revealed primary anatomic success for 91.3% of eyes and final anatomical success of 99.6%. The data from the regional hospitals confirmed that our hypothesis was correct. All patients with adverse outcomes were referred back for reoperation. Patients who were not referred again had an attached retina and showed no signs of endophthalmitis.

CONCLUSION

Our hypothesis that data in the surgical department's medical records would closely reflect those in referring hospitals was borne out. This supports, under current conditions, an effective strategy for analysing chosen quality indicators without relying on a national registry or reviewing records from regional hospitals.

360 DEGREE ENDOLASER VERSUS FOCAL ENDOLASER IN PRIMARY RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT REPAIR

PURPOSE

To determine the efficacy of the 360-degree endolaser (360EL) versus focal laser during primary vitrectomy (PPV) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair.

METHODS

A single-site retrospective chart review was performed on 241 patients who underwent PPV for primary RRD. Patients were assigned to two groups, PPV with 360EL (n = 183) and PPV without 360EL (n = 59). Only cases where surgeons performed 360EL on all RRDs or surgeons who never perform 360EL on RRDs were included.

RESULTS

The single surgery anatomical success rate in the 360EL group was 90.2% compared with 86.5% with focal laser ( P = 0.619). Epiretinal membrane formation in 360EL group at 1 year was 44.4% versus 37% with focal laser ( P = 0.429). Cystoid macular edema formation within 1 year of surgery was 25.8% in 360EL group versus 11.9% with focal laser ( P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

The use of 360EL in PPV for RRD repair does not improve single-surgery anatomical success in routine RRDs when compared with PPV with focal laser.

360-Degree laser retinopexy in primary vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: factors associated with its use and impact on surgical outcomes

BACKGROUND

To determine patient and surgical factors associated with the use of 360-degree laser retinopexy during primary pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) ± scleral buckle (SB) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and its impact on surgical outcomes.

METHODS

Patients who underwent PPV ± SB for repair of non-complex RRD at a single centre were included in this retrospective study. The primary outcome was single surgery anatomical success (SSAS). Secondary outcomes included visual acuity, epiretinal membrane formation, the presence of cystoid macular oedema, tonic pupil and corneal epithelial defects. Multiple logistic regression and multivariate regression was used.

RESULTS

The study included 192 cases, of which 130 received 360-degree laser. Worse preoperative logMAR visual acuity (P = 0.009), male sex (P = 0.060), higher PVR grades, supplemental SB (P = 0.0468) and silicone oil/C₃F₈ tamponade (P < 0.0001) were associated with 360-degree laser use. No significant associations between 360-degree laser and SSAS (P = 0.079), final logMAR visual acuity (P = 0.0623), ERM development (P = 0.8208), postoperative CMO (P = 0.5946), tonic pupil (P > 0.9999) or corneal epithelial defects (P = N/A) were found.

CONCLUSIONS

360-degree laser retinopexy during primary PPV ± SB for RRD was associated with more complex cases and more extensive operations. Even when accounting for this, there was no difference in surgical outcomes or complication rates.

Outcomes in primary uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair using pars plana vitrectomy with or without scleral buckle

PURPOSE

To compare outcomes following primary uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair using pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) or PPV with scleral buckle (PPV-SB).

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study with propensity score analysis in a single tertiary care center between 2014 and 2018 comparing patients with primary uncomplicated RRD repaired using PPV only or PPV-SB (full cohort: n=1516, propensity-matched cohort: n=908). The primary outcome was single surgery anatomic success (SSAS), while secondary outcomes were 3-month and final pinhole visual acuity (PHVA) in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) and final retina status.

RESULTS

In the full cohort, SSAS was achieved in 745 (91%) of PPV patients vs. 623 (89%) of PPV-SB patients (p=0.13). This was 390 (92%) vs. 314 (88%) in phakic patients (p=0.06) compared to 353 (91%) vs. 301 (90%) in pseudophakic patients (p=0.79), respectively. After matching, SSAS was achieved in 424 (93%) of PPV patients vs. 412 (91%) of PPV-SB patients (p=0.14). Median PHVA after PPV was better at 3 months (PPV: 20/40 vs. PPV-SB: 20/50; both cohorts: p<0.001) and final follow-up (PPV: 20/29 vs. PPV-SB: 20/38; full cohort: p<0.001 and PPV: 20/29 vs. PPV-SB: 20/36; matched cohort: p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Addition of SB does not significantly change the rate of SSAS compared to PPV only in primary uncomplicated RRD. It is also associated with worse PHVA at follow-up.

Supplemental Scleral Buckle for the Management of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment by Pars Plana Vitrectomy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVES

The present review aimed to synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with and without a supplementary scleral buckle (SB) for management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

METHODS

The authors searched MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL to identify RCTs in English that compared PPV with and without supplemental SB. Risk of bias was assessed according to the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. We present risk ratios (RRs), mean differences (MDs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimated using random-effects meta-analyses.

RESULTS

We identified 6 RCTs involving 705 eyes. Primary reattachment (6 studies, 345 eyes PPV, 324 eyes PPV + SB; RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.93-1.06, I2 = 0%, p = 0.78) and final anatomic success rates (4 studies, 272 eyes PPV, 267 eyes PPV + SB; RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.98-1.02, I2 = 0%, p = 0.89) were similar between the 2 groups. Postoperative visual acuity improvement (5 studies, 244 eyes PPV, 222 eyes PPV + SB; MD 6.09 letters, 95% CI -0.47-12.64, I2 = 69%, p = 0.07) and frequency of adverse events (6 studies, 1,294 observations PPV, 1,221 observations PPV + SB; RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.57-1.01, I2 = 25%, p = 0.06) likewise did not differ significantly between the treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

Low-certainty evidence from RCTs did not demonstrate a benefit in placement of a supplemental SB during vitrectomy for management of RRD in the current analysis. Additional high-quality trials are needed to provide more precise estimates of the effect.

Protective Role of 360° Laser Retinopexy in Patients with Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Visual impairment from retinal re-detachment could be debilitating. The aim of this review is to evaluate the role of 360° laser retinopexy on success rate of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair by a meta-analysis study.

METHODS

The PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched comprehensively from the date of database inception to January 2021, evaluating the role of 360° laser retinopexy in visual and anatomical success rate of RRD repair. This review was conducted based on the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) protocols.

RESULTS

Among 202 articles screened for eligibility, six studies were found to be eligible for inclusion in our final analysis. Our meta-analysis demonstrates that prophylactic treatment with circumferential laser photocoagulation has no significant effect on the initial rate of retinal re-detachment or final best-corrected visual acuity following pars plana vitrectomy repair of RRD. Subgroup analysis of studies (n = 3) with 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy, however, favors attachment rate in patients undergoing 360° prophylactic laser treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Three hundred and sixty degree laser retinopexy appears to have favorable outcomes in patients undergoing 23-gauge retinal detachment repair. This protective effect, however, is not apparent with inclusion of 20-gauge vitrectomy studies.

Pars plana vitrectomy, scleral buckle, and pneumatic retinopexy for the management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: a meta-analysis

We reviewed the literature on the efficacy and safety of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), scleral buckle (SB), and pneumatic retinopexy (PR) for the management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs). A systematic search was performed on three databases from inception to September 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing RRD management options were included. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model. Eighteen RCTs and 2,751 eyes were included. For PPV versus SB, early postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) favored SB (weighted mean <1 month postoperatively: ~counting fingers for PPV versus ~20/260 for SB, P = 0.02), but differences were nonsignificant at other time points. There was no difference for primary reattachment (P = 0.08). PPV had a lower incidence of choroidal detachment (P = 0.004), hypotony (P = 0.01), and strabismus/diplopia (P = 0.04) but a higher incidence of iatrogenic breaks (P = 0.003) and cataract development/progression (P = 0.05) relative to SB. Combination management was nonsignificantly different relative to PPV alone for CDVA, complications and reattachment rate. In closing, PPV is associated with a slower visual recovery, but similar final visual acuity and primary reattachment rate relative to SB. Combination procedures did not improve primary reattachment rates or vision relative to standalone PPV. Heterogeneity was seen across the included trials, and further randomized trials are needed to reduce the uncertainty of these estimates.

Incidence of Clinically Significant Aniseikonia Following Encircling Scleral Buckle Surgery: An Evaluation of Refractive and Axial Length Changes Requiring Intervention

To evaluate the incidence of symptomatic anisometropia and aniseikonia requiring intervention following surgery with combined pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and broad 276 style encircling scleral buckle (ESB) for the repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRD) and to report axial length (AL) and keratometry changes, a retrospective review of consecutive RRD patients treated with combined PPV and ESB between June 2016 until September 2019 was performed. All patients with symptomatic optically induced aniseikonia requiring additional interventions or surgical procedures including clear lens exchanges, secondary intraocular lens implants or contact lenses were documented. Keratometry and AL measurements were recorded for each eye and changes calculated. In total, 100 patients underwent combined PPV, ESB and endotamponade with mean age of 59.47 years (SD 11.49). AL was significantly increased (25.39 mm [SD 1.27] to 26.54 mm [SD 1.16], p = 0.0001), with a mean change of 1.15 mm (SD 0.67). Mean corneal astigmatism increased by –0.95 D (SD 0.51) in control eyes preoperatively and –1.33 (SD 0.87) postoperatively (p = 0.03). Over half of phakic patients (39/61; 64%) developed a visually significant cataract, subsequently undergoing surgery. Six of 100 patients developed symptomatic anisometropia with aniseikonia postoperatively (6%). Four proceeded with clear lens exchange despite absence of visually significant cataract (4%). Two of these initially trialled contact lenses (2%). One was intolerant, while the other decided to proceed with clear lens exchange for convenience. Only one patient (1%), being pseudophakic in both eyes, had persistent anisometropia/aniseikonia. AL and keratometry changes induced by encirclement with broad solid silicone rubber buckles are acceptable and similar to those reported previously using narrow encircling components, being unlikely to induce troublesome symptomatic anisometropia/aniseikonia. Many patients are phakic and develop visually significant cataracts, allowing correction of changes induced with the aim of visual restoration. A minority require more prolonged methods of visual rehabilitation, such as contact lens wear or clear lens exchanges. Caution and appropriate consent should be made in patients that are pseudophakic in both eyes at presentation.

Outcomes of Pars Plana Vitrectomy Alone versus Combined Scleral Buckling plus Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Primary Retinal Detachment

PURPOSE

We compared the outcomes of primary uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair using pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) alone versus combined scleral buckling plus PPV (SB+PPV).

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with primary RRD who underwent PPV or SB+PPV from June 1, 2014, through December 31, 2017.

METHODS

We performed a single-institution, retrospective, observational study of 488 consecutive patients with primary RRD repaired via PPV alone or SB+PPV and gas tamponade. We excluded patients younger than 18 years and those with advanced proliferative vitreoretinopathy, giant retinal tear, trauma, or secondary forms of RRD. We performed logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses to identify potential risk factors associated with a retinal redetachment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Single-operation anatomic success (SOAS), defined as adequate retinal reattachment achieved with only 1 procedure.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up interval was 14.3 months. Single-operation anatomic success and final anatomic success were achieved in 425 eyes (87.1%) and 487 eyes (99.8%), respectively. Single-operation anatomic success was achieved in 90 of 111 eyes (81.1%) with PPV alone compared with 345 of 374 eyes (92.2%) with SB+PPV (P = 0.0010). Scleral buckling plus PPV showed greater SOAS than PPV alone in phakic eyes (P < 0.0001), but not in eyes with a posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL). Retinal redetachments occurred on average at 1.5 and 9 months after the initial surgery. Significant best-corrected visual acuity improvement was associated with SOAS (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Scleral buckling plus PPV resulted in greater SOAS outcomes than PPV alone for primary RRD repair. Phakic eyes achieved greater surgical success with SB+PPV, whereas eyes with a PCIOL achieved similar results with both methods. Most retinal redetachments occurred within the initial postoperative 3-month period. Single-operation anatomic success was associated with statistically significant visual improvement.

Pars plana vitrectomy combined with scleral buckle versus pars plana vitrectomy for giant retinal tear

BACKGROUND

A giant retinal tear (GRT) is a full-thickness neurosensory retinal break extending for 90° or more in the presence of a posterior vitreous detachment.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of pars plana vitrectomy combined with scleral buckle versus pars plana vitrectomy alone for eyes with giant retinal tear.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2018, Issue 8), which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register; Ovid MEDLINE; Embase.com; PubMed; Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS); ClinicalTrials.gov; and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). We did not use any date or language restrictions in our electronic search. We last searched the electronic databases on 16 August 2018.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing pars plana vitrectomy combined with scleral buckle versus pars plana vitrectomy alone for giant retinal tear regardless of age, gender, lens status (e.g. phakic or pseudophakic eyes) of the affected eye(s), or etiology of GRT among participants enrolled in these trials.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed titles and abstracts, then full-text articles, using Covidence. Any differences in classification between the two review authors were resolved through discussion. Two review authors independently abstracted data and assessed risk of bias of included trials.

MAIN RESULTS

We found two RCTs in abstract format (105 participants randomized). Neither RCT was published in full. Based on the data presented in the abstracts, scleral buckling might be beneficial (relative risk of re-attachement ranged from 3.0 to 4.4), but the findings are inconclusive due to a lack of peer reviewed publication and insufficient information for assessing risk of bias.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We found no conclusive evidence from RCTs on which to base clinical recommendations for scleral buckle combined with pars plana vitrectomy for giant retinal tear. RCTs are clearly needed to address this evidence gap. Such trials should be randomized, and patients should be classified by giant retinal tear characteristics (extension (90º, 90º to 180º, > 180º), location (oral, anterior, posterior to equator)), proliferative vitreoretinopathy stage, and endotamponade. Analysis should include both short-term (three months and six months) and long-term (one year to two years) outcomes for primary retinal reattachment, mean change in best corrected visual acuity, study eyes that required second surgery for retinal reattachment, and adverse events such as elevation of intraocular pressure above 21 mmHg, choroidal detachment, cystoid macular edema, macular pucker, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and progression of cataract in initially phakic eyes.

Advances in the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

The pathogenesis of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment depends on three factors, namely, retinal rupture, vitreous liquefaction and traction causing the retina to separate from the pigment epithelium, among which retinal rupture is the most important. Retinopathy is caused by a gap between the neurosensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium, which severely damages the visual function of the patient. Therefore, early clinical discovery, prevention and selection of an appropriate treatment are important. This article reviews progress in the treatment of retinal detachment.

Vitrectomy with scleral buckling versus with inferior retinectomy in treating primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with PVR and inferior breaks

PURPOSE

To evaluate anatomic and functional outcomes of patients treated with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with scleral buckling versus PPV with inferior retinectomy for treatment of cases of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) associated with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and inferior retinal breaks.

METHODS

Retrospective, comparative, interventional, single-center study. Fifty-one eyes of fifty-one patients with primary RRD associated with inferior breaks and PVR grade C1 or more were reviewed over 3 years. Twenty-one eyes underwent PPV with encircling band 360° and thirty eyes underwent PPV with primary inferior retinectomy. The primary outcome was final anatomic success. Secondary outcomes included change in visual acuity, primary anatomical success, the mean number of operations, and incidence of postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Primary anatomical success of 85.7% was achieved in buckle group compared to 83.3% in retinectomy group (p = 0.82). Mean duration of follow-up and mean number of operations was 9.8 ± 2.26 and 9.97 ± 2.44 months; 1.24 ± 0.62 and 1.3 ± 0.75 in buckle group and retinectomy group, respectively, achieving final anatomical success of 95.2% for the buckle group and 90% for the retinectomy group with no statistical significant difference (p = 0.49). Although visual acuity (logMAR) was better in the buckle group in the 1st month, it became nearly equal thereafter during the follow-up period (p = 0.5).

CONCLUSION

Similar anatomical and functional outcomes were achieved by combining PPV with scleral buckle or inferior retinectomy for treatment of primary RRD with PVR and inferior breaks.

Pars plana vitrectomy with or without intraoperative 360° peripheral endolaser for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment treatment

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate whether intraoperative 360° prophylactic endolaser photocoagulation is necessary for the treatment of uncomplicated retinal detachment.

METHODS

This prospective, randomized, comparative and interventional study includes 50 consecutive patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) who were treated by pars plana vitrectomy. The patients were divided into two groups: in Group A endolaser applied to all existing breaks as well as a 360° laser retinopexy, while Group B received endolaser only to the retinal breaks. Primary anatomical success rate, a final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and postoperative complications were analyzed and compared between the groups at 1 and 3 months.

RESULTS

After the primary procedure, the retina was reattached in 96% (24 of 25) of patients in Group A and in 88% (22 of 25) of patients in Group B at 1 and 3 months. The mean final BCVA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) improved from 1.26 to 0.52 in Group A with 17 cases (68%) macula-off and 1.19 to 0.77 in Group B with 18 cases (72%) macula-off at preoperative and final follow-up visit. Epiretinal membranes were seen in four cases in Group A and four cases in Group B at 3 months. No statistically significant difference in the anatomical, functional and complication outcomes between the two groups was recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

Pars plana vitrectomy without the 360° peripheral endolaser can provide successful anatomic outcomes and functional improvement in uncomplicated primary RRDs.

Macular choroidal thickness after vitreoretinal surgery: Long-term effect of pars plana vitrectomy with and without encircling scleral buckling surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate the macular choroidal thickness (CT) of eyes subjected to pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) whether or not combined with encircling scleral buckling (ESB) surgery for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair at 6 months or more after surgery.

METHODS

This observational study included: 15 eyes (15 patients) submitted to combined ESB+PPV; 15 eyes submitted to PPV and their respective 30 normal fellow eyes (FE). Two 6mm lineal perpendicular optical coherence tomography B-scans centred on the fovea with enhanced depth imaging were performed on each eye. CT was measured at several macular locations: subfoveal (SF-CT) and at a radius of 1, 2, and 3mm from the fovea. CTs of the eyes in the CE+PPV group were compared to CT in the PPV group and the CTs of all operated eyes were compared to the CTs of their FE.

RESULTS

SF-CT of the eyes in the ESB+PPV group was significantly increased compared to their FE (P=.001). CT at a radius of 1, 2, and 3mm from the fovea of the ESB+PPV group were significantly increased (P=.001, P=.005, and P=.001, respectively). The SF-CT of the PPV group was similar to their FE (P=.691). The SF-CT of the ESB+PPV group was significantly increased compared to SF-CT of the PPV group (P=.019).

CONCLUSIONS

The CT of the eyes subjected to combined ESB and PPV was significantly increased at 6 months or more after surgery compared to the CT of their FE and to the CT of the eyes subjected to PPV alone, which could be explained by a venous engorgement caused by the ESB.

Outcomes of scleral buckling using chandelier endoillumination

PURPOSE

To report the results and complications of scleral buckling for the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) using 25-gauge chandelier endoillumination.

METHODS

A total of 61 patients (61 eyes) with RRD were treated with scleral buckling. For the sclera buckling procedure, a 25-gauge chandelier was inserted through the pars plana for intra-ocular illumination, and retinal tears were identified and treated with episcleral cryotherapy under surgical microscope. On postoperative days 1, 3 and 7, the intra-ocular pressure was measured by a non-contact tonometer. On postoperative months 1 and 3, ultrasound biomicroscopy was used to examine the pars plana incision.

RESULTS

In the surgical procedure, there was no lenticular or retinal damage due to the chandelier insertion. There was no conjunctival bleb formation at pars plana incision and no incidence of endophthalmitis after surgery. The mean intra-ocular pressure was 15.74 ± 2.98, 15.83 ± 2.76 and 16.14 ± 2.52 mmHg on postoperative days 1, 3 and 7, respectively. The one-time retinal reattachment rate was 93.4%. No visible vitreous incarceration was found in the incision of the pars plana.

CONCLUSION

There was no complication found due to the chandelier insertion in early postoperative period. Chandelier endoillumination is a feasible method for retinal visualization under surgical microscope during scleral buckling.

Primary vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in pseudophakic eyes: 20-gauge versus 25-gauge vitrectomy

PURPOSE

To report anatomical and functional outcome of 20-gauge versus 25-gauge primary pars plana vitrectomy for management of complex rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in pseudophakic eyes.

METHODS

Prospective single-centre randomized comparative pilot trial. Fifty patients with retinal detachment (RD) not complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy grade B or C, who cannot be treated with a single meridional sponge, were randomized (1:1) from November 2006 to January 2010 to either 20-gauge or 25-gauge vitrectomy as first surgical intervention and followed up over a 12-month period, evaluating change in best-corrected visual acuity, anatomical success and intraocular pressure dysregulation.

RESULTS

Mean visual acuity improved by 0.88 (SD 0.67) from 1.22 logMAR (SD 0.63) to 0.34 logMAR (SD 0.31) in the 20-gauge group and by 0.53 (SD 0.91) from 0.86 logMAR (SD 0.73) to 0.34 logMAR (SD 0.46) in the 25-gauge group. Final anatomical success rate was 100% and primary success rate was 69% at 6 months of follow-up. In the 20-gauge group, the retina was attached after one single procedure in 18 eyes (72%) and in 21 eyes (84%) of the 25-gauge group. Two patients in the 25-gauge group had hypotony at the first postoperative day which normalized within 6 weeks.

CONCLUSION

In our series, transconjunctival sutureless 25-gauge and 20-gauge vitrectomy showed comparable results in pseudophakic RD not suitable for single sponge surgery with respect to visual outcome and retinal reattachment. Postoperative hypotony does not seem to be a significant problem of transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy.

Epidemiologic characteristics of retinal detachment surgery at a specialized unit in Denmark

PURPOSE

To examine the incidence of retinal detachments and to evaluate patient profiles and surgical characteristics.

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients operated for primary retinal detachment (RD) and redetachment between 2010 and 2012 at the Department of Ophthalmology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark. We included all RD such as rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), tractional retinal detachment (TRD) and exudative retinal detachment (ERD).

RESULTS

In total, 779 RD surgeries were performed: 83.7% (n = 652) primary operations and 16.3% (n = 127) reoperation. For primary operation, pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), scleral buckling and combined operations were performed in 95.1% (n = 620), 4.6% (n = 30) and 0.3% (n = 2) respectively. Over time there was less use of silicone oil and greater use of gas tamponade (p = <0.001), less simultaneous cataract operations (p = <0.001), less use of cryotherapy (p = 0.045) and more use of peeling procedures (p = <0.001) in primary operations. The annual incidence of surgery for primary RD was 22.0 [95% confidence interval (CI) 20.4-23.8] per 100 000 inhabitants aged >15 years. Retinal detachment (RD) was more common in males than females (1.8:1), and mean age at presentation was 61.8 years (standard deviations ± 12.3). The annual incidence for RRD and TRD operation was 20.72 (95% CI 19.11-22.43) and 1.25 (95% CI 0.9-1.7) per 100 000 inhabitants >15 years.

CONCLUSION

This study presents the first overall incidence for RD in Denmark. The highest incidence of RRD was among males aged 60 to 79 years, whereas TRD was among females at same age. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) was the preferred surgical technique, and during 2012 all RD patients were treated with PPV, independent of lens status and age.

[Neurotrophic keratitis after vitrectomy and circumferential endophotocoagulation for retinal detachment]

INTRODUCTION

Circumferential (360°) endophotocoagulation is frequently implemented during vitrectomies for retinal detachment. This photocoagulation may result in neurotrophic keratitis by damaging the ciliary nerves in the suprachoroidal space on their way to the pupil. We report a series of 4 cases of neurotrophic keratitis following a circumferential endophotocoagulation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective observational case series of 4 non-diabetic patients having presented with a neurotrophic keratitis following a retinal detachment treated with vitrectomy and circumferential endophotocoagulation (532 nm) at Caen University Hospital. We report the various forms of corneal lesions and the diagnostic criteria allowing for the diagnosis of neurotrophic keratitis.

DISCUSSION

Neurotrophic keratitis is caused by lesions occurring at various levels of corneal innervation. Endophotocoagulation may cause a neurotrophic keratitis by damaging the short and long ciliary nerves on their way to the pupil in the suprachoroidal space. The sequelae of this condition can limit visual recovery. Hence, it is probably advisable to screen for corneal anesthesia or severe hypesthesia following a retinal detachment treated with vitrectomy and circumferential endophotocoagulation and to implement prophylactic treatment (intensive lubricant therapy; preservative-free eye drops) if needed.

CONCLUSION

The risk of neurotrophic keratitis should be weighed against the dose of laser retinopexy necessary and sufficient to obtain a sustained retinal reattachment. If circumferential endophotocoagulation is implemented, it is probably sensible to monitor corneal sensitivity and to adapt postoperative treatment if necessary.