Abstract

ROLA, A et al. Iatrogenic retinal breaks during vitrectomy: retrospective study. Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol [online]. 2003, vol.78, n.9, pp.487-491. ISSN 0365-6691.

Purpose: To establish the incidence and characteristics of iatrogenic retinal breaks occurring during vitrectomy and to propose a protocol for their management. Methods: Retrospective study of 195 consecutive vitrectomies performed in 2001. Minimum follow up was 3 months for all cases. Results: 13 patients with iatrogenic retinal breaks (6.6%) have been detected. In 8 cases the breaks affected the peripheral retina, in 4 cases they were located in the posterior pole and there was one retinal dialysis. In 4 cases there were more than one retinal break. 9 patients (70%) were vitrectomized for diabetic retinal complications. In 12 cases, the breaks were detected during surgery and treated with endolaser and/or cryoretinopexy (3 cases located inferiorly). Nevertheless 7 cases (54%) developed a retinal detachment, 2 of which could be reattached. Conclusions: Among iatrogenic retinal breaks produced during vitrectomy, the peripheral ones are slightly more frequent than the breaks in the posterior pole. Iatrogenic breaks occur more frequently in diabetic patients, having a bad prognosis and often developing a retinal detachment despite endolaser or cryoretinopexy.

Keywords : Iatrogenic retinal breaks; vitrectomy; retinal detachment; prophylaxis.