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.