Surgically-induced inflammation with 20-, 23-, and 25-gauge vitrectomy systems: an experimental study

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate postoperative intraocular inflammation induced in rabbit eyes subjected to surgery using different vitrectomy systems.

Methods: The 20-, 23-, and 25-gauge vitrectomy were performed on a total of 12 rabbit eyes, divided into 3 respective groups, and 4 rabbit eyes were used as a normal control group. The surgery consisted of posterior vitreous detachment induction and core vitrectomy. The main outcome measures were operative time, volume of balanced saline solution consumed and the intravitreal total protein concentration, determined by bicinchoninic acid protein assays, obtained by vitreous tap on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7.

Results: The intravitreal protein averages in the 20-, 23-, and 25-gauge vitrectomy groups were, respectively, 31 +/- 4.1, 21 +/- 2.3, and 7 +/- 3.4 mg/mL on postoperative Day 1 (0.13 +/- 0.02 mg/mL in the control eye). The intravitreal protein concentration level was significantly lower with the 25-gauge than with 20- or 23-gauge vitrectomy (P < 0.001), and there were no significant differences in intravitreal protein between the 20- and 23-gauge system on postoperative days 1 and 3. At 7 days postoperatively, there were no significant differences in the intravitreal protein levels among the three groups. Significantly less balanced saline solution was consumed in the 25-gauge vitrectomy group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Postoperative intraocular inflammation can vary among vitrectomy systems. A smaller gauge can minimize the inflammation associated with vitrectomy.