Outcomes of Sutured 20-Gauge Transconjunctival Vitrectomy

Background: Several investigators tried to modify the technique of 20-gauge vitrectomy to preserve the conjunctiva aiming to decrease surgical trauma and time.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 20-gauge trans-conjunctival vitrectomy for various surgical indications.

Setting and Design: A retrospective review of an interventional case series.

Methods: This study included 59 eyes of 58 patients who underwent 20-gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy for variable surgical indications using trocar system with suturing of the sclerotomies at the end of surgery. Postoperative follow up records were reviewed and data collected included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, intraoperative and postoperative complications for 6 months of follow up.

Results: The most common intraoperative complication was slippage of the cannula, occurred in 8 cases (14%); followed by trauma to the lens 4 cases (7%) and lastly retina incarcerated in the cannula 2 cases (3.5%). The post-operative intraocular pressure (IOP) was high in 6 cases (10%). The most common postoperative complication was inferior retinal detachment (RD) 12 (21%) cases, followed by vitreous hemorrhage 4 (7%) cases and lastly epiretinal membrane (ERM) 2 (3%) cases.

Conclusion: The 20-gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy technique is an effective procedure with acceptable results. It allows the use of conventional 20-G instruments with less cost.