Perfluorocarbon-perfused vitrectomy using a transconjunctival 25-gauge system.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the feasibility of perfluorocarbon-perfused vitrectomy (PCPV) using a 25-gauge system in complicated retinal detachment cases.


METHODS
Thirteen nonconsecutive patients with complicated retinal detachment (either tractional secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy or rhegmatogenous) who would not normally be selected for 25-gauge vitrectomy were included in the study. Vitrectomy using 25-gauge ports and perfluorocarbon perfusion was performed. Real vitrectomy time, amount of perfluorocarbon liquid (PCL) used, instrument bending, feasibility of surgical maneuvers using an arbitrary scale, and anatomical and visual results were evaluated.


RESULTS
Real vitrectomy time ranged from 6.2 minutes to 17.1 minutes (mean, 10.3 minutes). Amount of PCL ranged from 8 mL to 40 mL (mean, 24.38 mL). Instruments never bent even when using a wide-angle sutured contact lens. All desired maneuvers could be performed and were facilitated by PCL. All retinas were reattached, with two cases of mild recurrent vitreous hemorrhage. Visual acuity improved in 76.9% of eyes.


CONCLUSIONS
PCPV using a 25-gauge system can be performed, even in complicated cases.
Quiroz-Mercado
Hugo
H
Retina Department, Hospital Dr. Luis Sánchez Bulnes, Asociación para Evitar la Ceguera en México, Mexico City, Mexico. hugoquiroz@yahoo.com
Garcia-Aguirre
Gerardo
G
Ustáriz-González
Orlando
O
Martín-Avià
Jordi
J
Martinez-Jardon
Susana
S
D000328:Adult; D003228:Conjunctiva; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000150:complications; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D013396:Suction; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000379:methods*
D005466:Fluorocarbons; C073608:perfluorooctane