Minimal fluid-air exchange in combined 23-gauge sutureless vitrectomy, phacoemulsification, and intraocular lens implantation.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare rates of postoperative hypotony and intraocular lens-related complications between minimal fluid-air exchange and partial fluid-air exchange in combined 23-gauge vitrectomy and cataract surgery.


METHODS
A prospective, consecutive, interventional case series of 48 eyes that underwent 23-gauge vitrectomy with a minimal fluid-air exchange (minimal F-A group) was compared with a retrospective, consecutive case series of 38 eyes that underwent 23-gauge vitrectomy with a partial fluid-air exchange (partial F-A group). The main outcome measures were postoperative hypotony (<6 mmHg) and intraocular lens-related complications, such as posterior capsule opacification or pupillary capture.


RESULTS
Two (5.3%) of 38 eyes in the partial F-A group had hypotony, and only 1 (2.1%) of 48 eyes in the minimal F-A group had hypotony (P > 0.05). Posterior capsule opacification was identified in 11 (28.9%) of 38 eyes in the partial F-A group but only in 4 (8.3%) of 48 eyes in the minimal F-A group (P = 0.013). Pupillary capture was observed in 3 (7.9%) of 38 eyes in the partial F-A group, but it was absent in the minimal F-A group (P = 0.049). No retinal detachment or endophthalmitis was developed in both groups during follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Minimal fluid-air exchange in combined 23-gauge sutureless vitrectomy and cataract surgery may reduce postoperative hypotony and intraocular lens-related complications.
Nam
Dong Heun
DH
Department of Ophthalmology, Gachon University Gil Hospital, Incheon, Korea. eyedawns@gilhospital.com
Ku
Myun
M
Sohn
Hee Jin
HJ
Lee
Dae Yeong
DY
D000388:Air; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000601:surgery
D007552:Isotonic Solutions