[23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy: a retrospective study of 164 consecutive cases]

To describe our initial experience and to evaluate the outcomes of patients treated with 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy for a variety of vitreoretinal conditions.

A single-center, retrospective chart review of 164 consecutive 23-gauge vitrectomy cases done by five vitreoretinal surgeons at the CHNO des XV-XX from May 2006 through December 2007. The main outcome measures included visual acuity and intraoperative and postoperative complications.

The mean follow-up duration was 145 days. Mean overall acuity improved from 20/410 (0.5/10) at baseline to 20/101 (2/10) (p<0.0001) and the improvement in visual acuity was statistically significant for patients with macular hole, epiretinal membranes, retinal detachment, nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage, and silicone oil removal. There was a single case of intraoperative retinal tear. There were no postoperative complications of endophthalmitis or choroidal effusion and three cases of hypotony, which resolved spontaneously. Thirty-six of 80 phakic eyes had worsening of cataract, 29 of which occurred in the 1st postoperative month. Twenty patients had cataract surgery during the follow-up. Postoperative retinal detachment occurred in two cases after surgery for nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage. Retinal re-detachment after surgery for retinal detachment occurred in nine of 66 cases (14%).

Twenty-three-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy is an effective surgical technique for a variety of vitreoretinal surgical indications. The safety and efficacy profile compared favorably with the published literature on 20-gauge surgery.