Influence of the cannulated vitrectomy system on the occurrence of iatrogenic sclerotomy retinal tears

Abstract

Purpose: To determine whether the use of the cannulated vitrectomy system decreases the incidence of sclerotomy-related retinal tears relative to traditional vitrectomy techniques.

Methods: Forty-one eyes of 77 patients in this study were randomly selected to undergo treatment with the cannulated port system.

Results: We demonstrated a statistically significant decreased incidence of sclerotomy tears in the cannulated group relative to the noncannulated group (1% vs. 7.7%, P < 0.05). The benefit of the cannulated port system appears to be greatest in cases in which an inexperienced surgeon is learning the techniques of vitreoretinal surgery, in eyes with a preoperative diagnosis of tractional diabetic detachment, and in surgery requiring membrane delamination (simple and extensive).

Conclusion: The three-port vitrectomy system decreases the incidence of sclerotomy-related retinal tears.