Localized versus 360-degree laser photocoagulation with limited pars plana vitrectomy in the management of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

BACKGROUND: To compare the efficacy of intraoperative localized and 360-degree laser photocoagulation in 23-gauge limited pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). METHODS: This retrospective, comparative, consecutive, interventional study included 155 eyes of 155 patients who underwent primary repair of RRD utilizing 23-gauge PPV with at least six months of follow up. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed, and the corresponding demographic data, preoperative ophthalmic features, surgical management, and postoperative course were recorded. Main outcome measures included single surgery anatomical success, pre- and post-operative visual acuity, and complications. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients (group A) received localized laser photocoagulation in PPV, while the remaining 72 patients (group B) received underwent circumferential 360-degree laser photocoagulation in PPV. Two skilled-surgeons performed all the surgeries, and 23-gauge PPV instrumentation, a wide-angle viewing system, endolaser photocoagulation, and gas tamponade were used in each case. No significant difference was identified in baseline characteristics. The single surgery anatomical success rate was 96.4 % in group A, and 95.8 % in group B, showing no significant difference (p = 1.00). Primary anatomical failure was caused by re-detachment due to break in 2 eyes in each group (no new break 1 eye, new break 1eye in group A, 2 eyes with no new break in group B), and proliferative vitreoretinopathy in 1 eye in each group. Other complications were epiretinal membrane in 7 eyes (3 in group A, 4 in group B), and macular hole in 1 eye in group B. There were no differences in pre- and post-operative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) as well as BCVA improvement (p=0.144, p=0.866 and p=0.263, respectively). CONCLUSION: Localized laser photocoagulation showed no difference in anatomic and visual outcome in RRD patients, when compared with 360-degree laser photocoagulation in limited PPV. Routine circumferential 360-degree laser photocoagulation may not be necessary in vitrectomy surgery for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment without severe PVR.