[The effect of internal limiting membrane removal on healing of idiopathic macular hole].
OBJECTIVE
To prospectively investigate the effect on macular hole healing after internal limiting membrane (ILM) removal during idiopathic macular hole (IMH) surgery.


METHODS
Forty-one consecutive patients (forty-one eyes) with idiopathic macular hole underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with surgical removal of the epiretinal membranes overlying the hole, gas/fluid exchange and C(3)F(8) intraocular tamponade. The patients were randomly divided into two groups, group A 19 patients in non-ILM-peeling group, group B 22 patients in ILM peeling group who underwent the removal of internal limiting membrane surrounding the hole.


RESULTS
Among the 41 cases, IMHs were completely closed in 37 eyes (90.2%). In the ILM removal group, IMHs were closed in 22 cases (22/22, 100%). In the non-ILM removal group, IMHs were closed only in 15 eyes (15/19, 78.9%). There was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
PPV is a valid treatment for IMH and the removal of ILM may help IMH close after surgery.
Tang
Shibo
S
Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China. shibotang@yahoo.com.cn
Li
Jiaqing
J
Huang
Suying
S
Zhang
Chun
C
Lin
Shaofen
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019773:Epiretinal Membrane / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D014945:Wound Healing