Ultrasound biomicroscopy of sclerotomy sites: the effect of vitreous shaving around sclerotomy sites during pars plana vitrectomy.

PURPOSE

To study the difference in the amount of vitreous incarceration between conventional pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and PPV with vitreous shaving around sclerotomy sites.

METHODS

A dynamic in vivo examination using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) was performed on the sclerotomy sites of 22 eyes after PPV. Patients were divided into two groups. In the study group (n = 11), the vitreous was completely shaved from the internal initial sclerotomy by cotton-tip depressed vitrectomy under coaxial illumination. In the control group (n = 11), no vitreous shaving was performed.

RESULTS

Vitreous incarceration into sclerotomy sites was significantly less in the study group compared with the control group (P <0.001). No difference was seen among the three sclerotomy sites regarding vitreous incarceration within individual eyes. No difference was seen between eyes operated by right- and left-handed surgeons.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitreous shaving of sclerotomy sites using depressed vitrectomy significantly reduces vitreous incarceration. This may reduce the rate of sclerotomy-related complications following PPV in selected cases.