Assessment of Closure Competency of Sutureless Vitrectomy Sclerotomies After Scleral Hydration.

PURPOSE

To assess the influence that hydration applied on the sclerotomy edges may have on incisional closure resistance after transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV).

METHODS

Experimental, randomized and observer-masked study in which 23-gauge TSV was performed in 80 cadaveric pig eyes. Once each vitrectomy was finished, hydration with balanced salt solution (BSS) was applied on the sclerotomy edges of one of the superior incision sites; no maneuver was performed on the other superior sclerotomy. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was gradually increased by means of the vitrectomy system (Accurus; Alcon Laboratories, TX) until one of the superior sclerotomies opened, allowing internal ocular solution to escape.

RESULTS

In 45% of cases (36 of 80 eyes), sclerotomies subjected to hydration allowed intraocular fluid escape (p = 0.43). There were no differences when comparing opening pressure values of hydrated and non-hydrated sclerotomies (p = 0.19).

CONCLUSIONS

Scleral hydration did not demonstrate increase in the sclerotomy closure resistance in our experimental model. Given the widespread use of sutureless TSV around the world, the results obtained in our research, in spite of being negative, may contribute to the knowledge of the behavior of sutureless sclerotomies.