[Histopathological examination of tissues removed from the retinal surface during vitrectomy in idiopathic macular holes].
OBJECTIVE
We examined electron microscopically the tissues removed from the retinal surface in cases with idiopathic macular holes.


METHODS
We performed vitrectomy for idiopathic macular holes in 43 eyes from June 1994 to December 1998 at Fukuoka University Chikushi Hospital. The removed tissues were evaluated with transmission electron microscope in only 8 of the 43 eyes. All cases underwent 3 port vitrectomy. After occurrence of posterior vitreous detachment, epiretinal tissues were removed around the macular hole using a micro-hook needle.


RESULTS
All tissues were transparent under an operating microscope, and they curled naturally. Histopathological examination showed that the removed tissues were from 2 to 6.5 microns thick. All tissues were composed mainly of extracellular matrix. There were type 2 collagen fibers in 6 eyes and basement membrane-like structures in 2 eyes. There were few cell components. All cases had the macular hole closed by the first surgery. Four eyes had improved visual acuities of more than 2 lines. The remaining 4 eyes had the same visual acuity as before the operation.


CONCLUSIONS
Residual vitreous on the retinal surface was the main component of the transparent tissues removed from the retinal surface during vitrectomy.
Kono
T
T
Department of Ophthalmology, Fukuoka University Chikushi Hospital, 377-1 Zokumyoin, Chikushino 818-8052, Japan.
Kato
H
H
Takesue
Y
Y
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D012160:Retina / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014821:Vitrectomy