Comparison of three techniques of harvesting full-thickness retinal tissue for large or persistent macular holes

To evaluate the success rate of autologous retinal graft (ARG) for the closure of full-thickness macular holes (MHs) and compare the outcomes of three different techniques of harvesting the graft.

Clinic files of all patients who had undergone ARG for MH using intraocular scissors, membrane loop, or retinal punch to harvest retinal tissue were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were evaluated for MH closure, retinal reattachment, and visual improvement.

Twenty-two eyes of 22 patients were included. ARG was done for 16 eyes (72.7%) with failed, large persistent MH, and six eyes (27.3%) also underwent simultaneous repair of retinal detachment. The basal diameter of MH was 1103.67 ± 310.09 (range 650-1529) μm. Intraocular scissors were used in 10 eyes (45.5%), a membrane loop in five eyes (22.7%), and a retinal punch in seven eyes (31.8%). Silicone oil tamponade was used in seven (31.8%) eyes and gas in 15 (68.1%) eyes. The follow-up ranged from 6 to 18 months. The hole closure rate was 72.7% (16/22). Visual improvement was noted in 18 eyes (81.8%). Retinal reattachment was seen in all eyes. Good graft integration with the surrounding area was seen in 17 eyes (77.3%). Graft retraction was seen in four eyes (18.18%) and graft loss in one eye (4.55%). No significant differences were noted among the three groups.

ARG is successful in closing large, failed MH with and without retinal detachment. A membrane loop and retinal punch are equally useful in harvesting the graft, but scissors are preferable in case the retina is detached. With all three techniques, integration of the graft with the surrounding tissue can be achieved.