TRANSSCLERAL INCISION FOR PEELING SUBRETINAL PROLIFERATION TISSUE IN GRADE C PROLIFERATIVE VITREORETINOPATHY

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of an optimized method to clearly remove the subretinal proliferative tissue by transscleral puncture into the subretinal space in patients with grade C proliferative vitreoretinopathy without inducing retinal injury. METHODS: This was a prospective clinical observation study. Eight consecutive patients who had undergone optimized vitrectomy surgery for retinal detachment complicated by grade C proliferative vitreoretinopathy were investigated. Subretinal proliferation was cleared by adding one additional scleral 23-gauge trocar under the detached retina at 9 mm to 10 mm from the limbus. After the sclera is pierced, the puncture knife changed its direction without touching the retina. 23-G intraocular forceps were used to remove the proliferation strand or membrane through the puncture channel. RESULTS: Retinal reattachment was achieved in each case without a retinotomy. The mean best-corrected visual acuity was improved within the first 1 month (P = 0.039) and remained stable at the following phase. There were no postoperative complications, such as reoccurrence of retinal detachment or proliferative vitreoretinopathy. No postoperative hemorrhage or hypotension was observed. CONCLUSION: The satisfying results demonstrated the feasibility of this cost-effective, easy-to-follow, transscleral vitrectomy method in treating retinal detachment with grade C proliferative vitreoretinopathy.