Beveled-tip Versus Flat-tip Vitrectomy Probe for Vitreous Cortex Remnants Removal in Vitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Techniques
• Retinal Surgery

Background:

• Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is a serious condition requiring prompt surgical intervention.
• Vitreous cortex remnants (VCR) can complicate RRD surgery, potentially affecting outcomes.
• Effective VCR removal is crucial for successful vitrectomy in RRD cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of 25-gauge beveled-tip and flat-tip probes for VCR removal during RRD vitrectomy.
• To assess the safety and complication rates associated with each probe type.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of operative videos from 60 eyes undergoing vitrectomy for RRD with VCR.
• Eyes were divided into two groups: beveled-tip probe (30 eyes) and flat-tip probe (30 eyes).
• Primary outcome: extent of peripheral VCR removal; Secondary outcomes: vitrectomy time and complications.

Main Results:

• The beveled-tip probe achieved a significantly wider area of peripheral VCR removal (69.8%) compared to the flat-tip probe (56.9%, P=0.039).
• No significant differences were observed in total vitrectomy time or VCR removal time between the groups.
• No intraoperative or postoperative complications, including proliferative vitreoretinopathy or redetachment, were reported for either probe.

Conclusions:

• Beveled-tip probes facilitate more extensive VCR removal during RRD vitrectomy than flat-tip probes.
• The use of beveled-tip probes is safe and does not increase adverse events.
• This finding supports the clinical implication of incorporating beveled-tip probes into routine RRD vitrectomy practice.