The influence of the cannulated vitrectomy system on the occurrence of iatrogenic sclerotomy retinal tears

Abstract

Purpose: A prospective randomized study was performed to determine the influence of a cannulated vitrectomy system on the occurrence of iatrogenic sclerotomy related retinal breaks. Methods: 77 patients were enrolled. 41 patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy with the cannula system. Results: A total of 7(9%) sclerotomy related tears were diagnosed. 6(16.6%) of these cases were in the noncannulated group (p= <0.04). Data most associated with retinal tears included: the pre-operative diagnosis of fractional diabetic detachment, surgeon inexperience, extensive membrane peeling and attached posterior vitreous. Conclusion: The cannulated system decreases the rate of sclerotomy tears in patients undergoing vitrectomy.