Vitreoretinal fellow surgical outcome of small gauge pars plana vitrectomy for acute rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Abstract

Background: Our purpose was to determine the anatomical outcome following small gauge vitrectomy for acute rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) operated by vitreoretinal fellows.

Methods: We undertook a retrospective review of adult patients presenting with an acute RRD treated with small gauge vitrectomy where the operating surgeon was either a vitreoretinal fellow or consultant surgeon. The patient's demographics were recorded as well as relevant clinical findings. The end point was determined to be the anatomical outcome and number of surgeries.

Results: Two hundred and twelve eyes were included in this study. The age range was 21-90 years, with approximately one third of the patients being female. The macula was attached in 53% at presentation, and 65% of the eyes were phakic. Primary re-attachment with a single operation was achieved in 75% of cases, and final re-attachment rate was 92%. Mean presenting visual acuity was LogMAR 1.07 (SD 1.09) and final visual acuity was LogMAR 0.63 (SD 0.85). We found no association between final anatomical success and experience of the surgeon (p = 0.6).

Conclusion: We found that acute RRD treated by vitreoretinal fellows using small gauge vitrectomy did not place the patient at any discernable disadvantage.