Paediatric cataract surgery with 27G vitrectomy instrumentation: the Ghent University Hospital Experience
Hwei Wuen Chan1,2, Filip Van den Broeck3,4, Axelle Cools4
1Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
Insights
This study evaluated pediatric lens extractions using the Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center (D.O.R.C.) ultra-short 27G vitrectomy system. The system demonstrated good surgical outcomes, with significant visual acuity gain in most patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Paediatric lens extraction is complex, with various techniques available.
- The Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center (D.O.R.C.) ultra-short 27G vitrectomy system offers a novel approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a cohort of pediatric patients undergoing lens extraction using the D.O.R.C. ultra-short 27G vitrectomy system.
- To evaluate the outcomes and complications associated with this technique in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical and surgical records.
- Inclusion of pediatric patients who underwent lens extraction between September 2016 and September 2020.
- Utilized the D.O.R.C. ultra-short 27G vitrectomy system for all procedures.
Main Results:
- Seventy-two eyes from 52 pediatric patients were analyzed.
- Common etiologies included secondary, developmental, and genetic causes; many cases were idiopathic.
- A high surgical complication rate (61.1%) was observed, with posterior capsule opacification being most frequent (25%).
- Significant short-term postoperative visual acuity gain was noted in 60.5% of eyes with available data.
Conclusions:
- The D.O.R.C. ultra-short 27G vitrectomy system is a viable option for pediatric lens extractions.
- The system can achieve good surgical outcomes in this patient population.
- Further comparative studies are warranted to fully establish its efficacy and safety profile.
Objective:
To describe a cohort of paediatric patients who underwent unilateral or bilateral lens extractions at Ghent University hospital using the Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center (D.O.R.C.) ultra-short 27G vitrectomy system.
Methods:
Retrospective analysis of the medical and surgical records of all children that underwent lens extraction between September 2016 and September 2020 using the D.O.R.C. ultra-short 27G vitrectomy system.
Results:
Seventy-two eyes of 52 patients were included. The most important aetiologies in this study were of secondary (25.5%), developmental (13.7%), or genetic (13.7%) nature. No definitive cause could be established in more than a quarter of cases (27.5%) despite extensive work-up, them being deemed idiopathic. The remainder of cases (19.6%) was not assigned a final aetiologic designation at the time of the study due to contradicting or missing diagnostic data. This study could not identify any cataract cases related to infection or trauma. Surgical complications rate was 61.1% of which posterior capsule opacification was the most frequent with a rate of 25%. A significant short-term postoperative best-corrected visual acuity gain (≤ -0.2 LogMAR) was observed in 60.5% of eyes for which usable acuity data were available (n = 38).
Conclusion:
Many different instruments and techniques have been described and used in the context of paediatric lens extractions, each with its advantages and disadvantages. This study illustrates that an ultra-short 27G vitrectomy system can be used to perform paediatric lens extractions with good surgical outcomes. Further studies and comparative trials are needed to ascertain this further.
