25-gauge scleral tunnel transconjunctival vitrectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the intraocular fluid leakage rate between 25-gauge (25G) transconjunctival vitrectomy with scleral tunnels and standard 25G transconjunctival vitrectomy.


METHODS
Single-center, retrospective, interventional case series.


METHODS
Transconjunctival vitrectomies were conducted by the use of only 25G instruments with peripheral vitrectomy. Standard 25G vitrectomy was conducted in 542 eyes and 25G vitrectomy with scleral tunnels in 337 eyes. The scleral tunnel was created by inserting trocars at an oblique angle.


RESULTS
The intraocular fluid leakage rate was significantly lower (Fisher exact probability test: P < .0001) when scleral tunnels were used in 25G vitrectomy (1%, five of 337 eyes) compared with standard 25G vitrectomy (9%, 50 of 542 eyes). The wound leakage rate was significantly lower when using (rather than not) scleral tunnels in 25G vitrectomy, both without air-gas (P = .0258) and with air exchange (P = .0007).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of scleral tunnels in 25G transconjunctival vitrectomy reduces the frequency of wound leakage even when the peripheral vitreous is removed.
Shimada
Hiroyuki
H
Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Nihon University, Kanda, Chiyodaku, Tokyo, Japan. sshimada@olive.ocn.ne.jp
Nakashizuka
Hiroyuki
H
Mori
Ryuzaburo
R
Mizutani
Yoshihiro
Y
Hattori
Takayuki
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001082:Aqueous Humor / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D003228:Conjunctiva; D005260:Female; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008297:Male; D009339:Needles; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012599:Sclerostomy / Q000379:methods*; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000517:prevention & control; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D014945:Wound Healing
D005466:Fluorocarbons; C042852:perflutren; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride