Residual internal limiting membrane in epiretinal membrane surgery
1Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|February 13, 2009
Summary
Residual internal limiting membrane (ILM) after epiretinal membrane (ERM) peeling is common, often containing remnant cells. Brilliant Blue G (BBG) staining may aid in assessing ILM removal during surgery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Surgery
Background:
- Epiretinal membrane (ERM) peeling is a common surgical procedure.
- The internal limiting membrane (ILM) is often removed during ERM surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of residual ILM after ERM peeling.
- To evaluate the utility of Brilliant Blue G (BBG) staining in visualizing residual ILM.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-one eyes with ERM underwent ILM peeling.
- Residual ILM was visualized using BBG and categorized into three patterns: residual, half, and no residual.
- Histological examination of residual ILM was performed in 10 cases.
- Correlation between preoperative visual acuity and residual ILM pattern was assessed.
Main Results:
- Nearly half (49.2%) of the eyes showed no residual ILM, while 45.9% had significant residual ILM.
- Residual ILM, when present, contained numerous remnant cells, both glial fibrillar acidic protein positive and negative.
- No significant correlation was found between preoperative visual acuity and the residual ILM pattern.
- No surgical recurrence requiring re-operation was observed.
Conclusions:
- Residual ILM with remnant cells is frequently observed after ERM peeling.
- Intraoperative BBG staining can assist in assessing the extent of ILM removal.
- Further investigation into the clinical significance of residual ILM cells may be warranted.
