ALL-PROBE VITRECTOMY DISSECTION TECHNIQUES FOR DIABETIC TRACTIONAL RETINAL DETACHMENTS: Lift and Shave

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the all-probe lift and shave technique to remove fibrovascular tissue and repair diabetic retinal detachments. Anatomical and visual acuity outcomes with this technique are presented.

Methods: In this single surgeon, retrospective review of a consecutive series of eyes with tractional retinal detachment associated with diabetic retinopathy repaired with probe-only dissection techniques. The technique of alternating aspiration with blunt dissection and shaving with the vitrectomy probe is described and shown in video.

Results: Forty-two eyes with tractional retinal detachment were successfully repaired and achieved anatomical attachment with the lift and shave technique. Twenty eyes were repaired with 27 g vitrectomy and 22 eyes with 25 g. Ninety percent of eyes improved two or more Snellen lines. Minimum follow-up was 6 months. Complications included iatrogenic breaks in one eye (5%), nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage in four eyes (9%), and reoperation in three eyes (7%) for epiretinal membranes.

Conclusion: The all-probe lift and shave technique of fibrovascular dissection is a streamlined approach for the management of tractional retinal detachments. Advantages include the need for minimal ancillary instrumentation, increased efficiency, and reduced complications.