Minimally interface vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with a single break in young patients

PURPOSE: This study evaluates a new surgical technique consisting of minimal vitreous removal under air (minimal interface vitrectomy; MIV) to reduce postoperative complications while preserving the ability to address surgical factors at the retinal break. METHODS: This retrospective analysis examined the outcomes of minimal interface vitrectomies in consecutive cases, with a minimum 12-month follow-up period, of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), recurrent RRD after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), or failed surgery after primary scleral buckling surgery (SBS). RESULTS: Twelve eyes of 12 patients with RRD underwent MIV. The total surgical duration was 190–300 s (mean, 245.25 s). Eight (66.7%) eyes were treated with cryotherapy, and 4 (33.3%) with endolaser to seal the retinal break. Successful, complete retinal reattachment was achieved in all eyes and maintained during follow-up. No intra- or postoperative complications occurred and no patients developed inflammation or cataract during follow-up. CONCLUSION AND IMPORTANCE: We effectively removed traction and subretinal fluid and treated breaks with endolaser or cryotherapy by using a novel minimal interface vitrectomy technique in this selected population.