Complications of Vitrectomy for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: Incidence and Management

ABSTRACT

More intraoperative and postoperative complications of diabetic vitrectomy may result in poor visual prognosis. Sixty eye (49 patients) underwent vitrectomy for complications of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Iatrogenic retinal breaks occurred in 6 (10%) of 60 eyes. Postoperative vitreous emorrhage was complicated in 13 (21%) of 60 eyes. Postoperative vitreous hemorrhage cleared spontaneously in one eye. Fluid-air exchange alone was successful in clearing the vitreous cavity in 4 eyes. Two eyes in which clearing does not occur in the postexchange period underwent repeated vitrectomy. Remaining 6 eyes required repeated vitrectomy. Choroidal effusion occurred in 4 eyes (7%) and resolved spontaneously within one week. Neovascular glaucoma occurred in 4 eyes (7%) and was treated with glaucoma implant surgery in 2 eyes, trabeculectomy with Mitomycin C in 1 ye, and cyclophotocoagulation in 1 eye. Retinal detachment developed postoperatively in 3 eyes (5%) and was treated successfully. Corneal epithelial defect persisting more than one week was present in 2 eyes (3%). Accidental mechanical lens damage occurred in one eye. The anatomical success rate was 98% (59 eyes). Visual acuity of 0.025 or better was obtained in 49 eyes (82%). Minimizing intraoperative complications as well as properly managing postoperative complications produced better surgical results.