Closed vitreous surgery. XVII. Results and complications of pars plana vitrectomy

Two hundred consecutive closed vitrectomies through the pars plana were observed for at least five years after operation to determine the results and analyze the complications. Vitrectomy was performed to remove vitreous opacities in 56.5% of the eyes (group 1), as a preliminary procedure in the course of retinal reattachment in 42% (group 2), and to reconstruct the anterior segment in 1.5% (group 3). Of the group 1 eyes for which adequate follow-up data were available, visual acuity improved notably in 64.2% showed no change in 11.3%, and deteriorated in 24.5%. The respective percentages for the other groups were as follows: 23.3%, 19.2%, and 57.5% for group 2; and 0%, +66.7%, and +33.3% for group 3. The most common complication during operation was bleeding in the vitreous, especially in diabetic patients; retinal break, lens injury, and vitreous-base avulsion followed in frequency. Postoperative bleeding occurred in 23% of eyes but usually resolved spontaneously and required no further surgery. There was postoperative glaucoma in 20% of the eyes. Corneal decompensation (15% of all cases) and rubeosis iridis (also 15%) had a propensity to occur in diabetic patients. Multiple procedures seemed to predispose eyes undergoing vitrectomy to rubeosis. Fibrous ingrowth into the vitreous through the sclerotomy was seen in five eyes and was associated with retinal detachment in one.