[Intravitreal bevacizumab pretreatment in vitrectomy for severe diabetic retinopathy: a series of six cases].

INTRODUCTION

Bevacizumab (Avastin(®), Roche) is a full-length humanized monoclonal antibody applicable to all subtypes of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The purpose of this study was to report the results of its use as a surgical additive in severe cases of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

PATIENTS AND METHOD

This retrospective study focused on six eyes of six patients with complicated diabetic retinopathy. A vitrectomy was performed within 13.6 days after an intravitreal bevacizumab injection of 0.1 mL (2.5mg), with dissection of the fibrovascular proliferation using a mono- or bimanual delamination technique.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up after intravitreal injection was 13.3 months. The mean surgery time was 64 minutes. The bimanual technique was not necessary. Only one iatrogenic retinal tear was repaired. The intraoperative bleeding was negligible. No adverse events resulting from the drug nor recurrence were observed throughout the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal bevacizumab is useful as a surgical additive in severe cases of PDR, significantly improving surgical conditions. Nevertheless, its use beyond approved indications should be reserved for complex surgical cases.