Vitreoretinal Surgery

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Vitreoretinal Surgery - Scope & Scalpels

  • Core Principle: Addresses posterior segment pathologies, typically via a pars plana approach.
  • Primary Indications (Scope):
    • Retinal Detachment (RD): Rhegmatogenous (RRD), complex Tractional (TRD).
    • Vitreous Hemorrhage (non-clearing).
    • Macular Pathologies: Macular Hole (MH), Vitreomacular Traction (VMT), Epiretinal Membrane (ERM).
    • Diabetic Retinopathy: Complications like tractional RD, dense vitreous hemorrhage.
    • Infectious/Inflammatory: Endophthalmitis (for diagnostic biopsy & therapeutic vitrectomy).
    • Trauma: Intraocular Foreign Body (IOFB) removal, management of posterior segment trauma.
  • Surgical Goals: Remove vitreous opacities, relieve vitreoretinal traction, repair retinal breaks, and facilitate retinal reattachment.
  • Key Instruments ("Scalpels" & Tools):
    • Vitrector (high-speed vitreous cutter).
    • Endoilluminator (fiber-optic light source).
    • Laser probes (for endophotocoagulation).
    • Micro-instruments: forceps, scissors, picks, spatulas. Illustration of vitrectomy for vitreous hemorrhage

⭐ Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is the most common indication for pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).

Pars Plana Vitrectomy - The Core Cut

Pars Plana Vitrectomy Setup

Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) is a key surgical technique to access and treat posterior segment pathologies.

  • Principle: Controlled removal of vitreous gel to access retina and relieve traction.
  • Sclerotomies: Typically 3 ports placed via pars plana (3-4 mm posterior to limbus).
    • Infusion: Maintains intraocular pressure (IOP).
    • Illumination: Provides light.
    • Instrumentation: Vitreous cutter, forceps, laser.
  • Gauges: From 20G (sutured) to micro-incision 23G, 25G, 27G (often sutureless).
  • Core Vitrectomy: Initial removal of central vitreous.
  • Peripheral Vitrectomy: Careful removal near vitreous base.

⭐ Smaller gauge vitrectomy (e.g., 25G, 27G) allows for sutureless surgery, reduced inflammation, and faster visual recovery.

Intraocular Tamponades - Retina's Props

Used to provide internal support and apposition of the retina post-surgery.

AgentMax ExpansionDuration (approx.)Specific GravityPost-op ViewNotes
Air1x5-7 days1.0ClearShortest acting; non-expansive.
$SF_6$2-2.5x~2 weeksLighter than H₂OImpairedExpands post-op; 📌 Stays For ~2 weeks. Face-down positioning.
$C_3F_8$4x~6-8 weeksLighter than H₂OImpairedLongest acting gas; 📌 Creates ~8 weeks support. Face-down.
Silicone OilNoneVariable (months-years)0.97 (lighter) or 1.02-1.06 (heavier)ClearRequires removal; for complex RD/PVR. Allows earlier ambulation.

⭐ Patients with intraocular gas tamponade must avoid air travel and high altitudes due to risk of gas expansion.

Vitreoretinal Surgery - Post-Op Perils

  • Increased Intraocular Pressure (IOP): Common early; manage medically/surgically.
  • Cataract Formation: Especially nuclear sclerosis in phakic eyes.
  • Endophthalmitis: Rare (~0.05% incidence); requires prompt treatment.
  • Retinal Detachment (Recurrent/New): Due to new breaks or PVR.
  • Vitreous Hemorrhage: May require observation or washout.
  • Corneal Edema: Often transient; can be due to prolonged surgery or high IOP.
  • Cystoid Macular Edema (CME): Can cause ↓ vision; treat with NSAIDs/steroids.
  • Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR): Leading cause of surgical failure.
  • Hypotony: Low IOP; risk of choroidal detachment, phthisis bulbi.

⭐ Nuclear sclerotic cataract is the most common long-term complication following vitrectomy in phakic eyes, often developing within 2 years post-surgery.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) is key for retinal detachment (RD), vitreous hemorrhage, macular holes, and endophthalmitis.
  • Intraocular tamponades like SF6, C3F8 gas, and silicone oil are vital for retinal reattachment.
  • Strict postoperative positioning is crucial with gas tamponades.
  • Cataract formation is the most common PPV complication; others include ↑IOP and redetachment.
  • Scleral buckling is an option for young, phakic RDs; pneumatic retinopexy for superior RDs.

Practice Questions: Vitreoretinal Surgery

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What is the most common cause of vitreous hemorrhage in diabetic retinopathy?

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Flashcards: Vitreoretinal Surgery

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What is the treatment of tractional retinal detachment?_____

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What is the treatment of tractional retinal detachment?_____

Pars plana vitrectomy with endo photocoagulation

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