title: Results of vitrectomy for diabetic traction retinal detachments using the en bloc excision technique.
abstract: En bloc excision is a technique in which fibrovascular diabetic membranes and the posterior hyaloid are separated from the retina as a single unit. In a consecutive series of 69 eyes with diabetic traction retinal detachment treated with this technique, initial retinal reattachment was accomplished in 100% (69/69) of the eyes. With a minimum of 6 months' follow-up, the retina remained completely attached in 83% (57/69) of eyes, while the macula was attached in 88% (61/69) of eyes. Final visual acuity was 5/200 or better in 71% (49/69) of eyes. While current surgical techniques allow a high rate of anatomic success in the repair of diabetic traction retinal detachment, visual results remain limited by irreversible alterations in retinal function.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226.
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hartz
authors.forename: W F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Mieler
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Abrams
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Aaberg
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000150:complications*; D003972:Diathermy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D008028:Light Coagulation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011379:Prognosis; D012086:Reoperation; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000209:etiology; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014821:Vitrectomy; D014823:Vitreous Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology