Local dry vitrectomy combined with segmental scleral buckling and viscoelastic tamponade for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with vitreous traction

The applications of viscoelastic agents in vitreoretinal surgery

The introduction of viscoelastics in human ocular surgery dates back to 1972.Subsequntly, several substances were proposed as adjuvants, particularly for cataract surgery; however, the rheologic properties of ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs), such as viscosity, pseudoplasticity, and coatability led to their employment also in vitreoretinal surgery. OVDs can be used to separate tissues and create space, to break adhesions, to allow space for surgical manipulation, and to contain hemorrhage by dampening capillary oozing. We focus on the principles and clinical results of several viscosurgery techniques, such as viscodissection and viscodelamination for the management of proliferative vitreoretinopathy and diabetic retinopathy and suprachoroidal buckling for primary retinal detachment. Furthermore, we analyze the techniques in which OVDs served as adjuvants in macular hole surgery, particularly in the handling of the internal limiting membrane, and as volumetric substances against hypotony. Finally, we analyze recent perspectives on vitreous humor biochemical features. Preclinical research led to the belief that hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels could become ideal vitreous substitutes, thanks to their viscoelasticity, porosity, optical properties, and biocompatibility; however, although promising, long-term toxicity issues have limited studies on human subjects.

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.

Scleral Buckling with Viscoelastics or Gas Injection for Bulging Retinal Detachments: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective

To examine the use of a viscoelastic agent instead of air in the vitreous cavity during surgery for scleral buckling.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent scleral buckling surgery for bulging rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) at Ningbo Eye Hospital from 07/2016 to 12/2019. The patients were grouped into drainage, air injection, cryotherapy and explant (DACE) and drainage, viscoelastic injection, cryotherapy, and explant (DVCE) groups, which were comparatively assessed.

Results

There were 25 and 22 patients in the DVCE and DACE groups, respectively. The surgery was significantly shorter with DVCE than DACE (P < 0.05), with less intraoperative external pressure adjustment (P < 0.05). BCVA was lower in the DVCE group at 1 week compared with the DACE group (P < 0.05). Successful retinal reattachment was observed in 92.0% and 81.8% of the DVCE and DACE groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Cases requiring laser replenishing after the operation were less in the DVCE group compared with the DACE group (P < 0.05). There were no differences in complications and intraocular pressure between the two groups (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

DVCE has better operative characteristics and faster vision recovery than DACE, with similar outcomes.