Postoperative complications after simultaneous vitrectomy and cataract surgery

We reviewed postoperative complications after simultaneous vitrectomy, phacoemulsification, aspiration, and acryl lens insertion.

Combined surgery was performed in 316 eyes of 279 patients between 1995 and 1997. Postoperative observation was continued in all of them for more than 6 months. The diagnoses that led to vitrectomy included diabetic retinopathy in 155 eyes, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in 64 eyes, macular hole in 43 eyes, and other diseases in 93 eyes. The rate of postoperative complications that needed any reoperation was investigated.

Reoperations were needed for intravitreal hemorrhage in 23 eyes (7.3%), retinal detachment in 15 eyes (4.7%), rubeotic glaucoma in 6 eyes (1.9%), and other conditions in 4 eyes (1.3%). Among them, reoperations were performed on 13 eyes (4.1%) twice and more. A removal of an intraocular lens was needed in 16 eyes (5.1%) for treatment of vitreoretinal disease. In patients with diabetic retinopathy, reoperations were needed for intravitreal hemorrhage in 21 eyes (13.5%), rubeotic glaucoma in 6 eyes (3.9%), other diseases in 4 eyes (2.6%), and a removal of an intraocular lens was needed in 10 eyes (6.5%) at a higher rate than the other disease.

This combined surgery is considered advantageous for removing peripheral vitreous, while preventing these complications is important for preserving visual function.