23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy: visual outcomes and complications

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retina Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Pars plana vitrectomy is a common surgical procedure for vitreoretinal diseases.
• Traditional vitrectomy often requires suture closure of sclerotomies.
• Minimally invasive techniques aim to reduce surgical trauma and improve patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes and complications of 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless pars plana vitrectomy.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of this technique across a spectrum of vitreoretinal conditions.

Main Methods:

• A prospective consecutive case series of 66 eyes from 66 patients undergoing 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless pars plana vitrectomy.
• Indications included epiretinal membrane, retinal detachment, macular hole, vitreous hemorrhage, and others.
• Outcome measures included visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and complication rates.

Main Results:

• Visual acuity significantly improved from 1.03 logMAR preoperatively to 0.32 logMAR postoperatively (p<0.01).
• Mean follow-up was 9.3 months.
• Transient hypotony and hypertony were observed, with rare late complications like macular hole reopening or retinal detachment recurrence.

Conclusions:

• 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless pars plana vitrectomy is a safe and effective surgical option.
• The technique demonstrates good visual outcomes for diverse vitreoretinal pathologies.
• Sutureless vitrectomy offers a viable alternative for managing complex retinal conditions.