Intraoperative retinal detachment prophylaxis in vitrectomy for retained cataract fragments.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the safety and efficacy of peripheral 360-degree laser retinopexy as prophylaxis against rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in eyes having pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for the removal of retained cataract fragments.


METHODS
Private practice, Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Helen Keller Foundation for Research and Education, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.


METHODS
This retrospective analysis comprised a consecutive series of patients who had PPV with 360-degree laser retinopexy for retained cataract fragment removal between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2000. All laser treatments were applied with indirect ophthalmoscope delivery.


RESULTS
In 78 eyes of 78 patients, the mean interval between cataract surgery and PPV with 360-degree laser retinopexy prophylaxis was 14 days. One (1.3%) of 78 eyes had postoperative RRD during a mean follow-up of 6 years. No laser-related complications occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of RRD after PPV with 360-degree laser retinopexy prophylaxis was 1.3%, a significant reduction from the average 8.2% RRD rate in the literature (P = .024). Although future prospective trials are indicated, the results suggest that 360-degree laser retinopexy prophylaxis could significantly reduce the incidence of this visually disabling complication.
Morris
Robert E
RE
Helen Keller Foundation for Research and Education, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
Shere
Jeffrey L
JL
Witherspoon
C Douglas
CD
Segal
Zachary K
ZK
Tehranchi
Linda
L
Kuhn
Ferenc
F
Sapp
Mathew
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D007906:Lens Subluxation / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012160:Retina / Q000601:surgery*; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014821:Vitrectomy