Surgical Outcome of Epiretinal Membrane and Internal Limiting Membrane Removal for Macular Hole Retinal Detachment

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the postoperative surgical outcome of vitreous surgery with removal of the internal limiting membrane assisted by indocyanine green (ICG) and the epiretinal membrane assisted by triamcinolone acetonide (TA.) METHODS: We examined the posterior vitreous state with ultrasound and OCT. The procedures performed included pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane removal assisted by ICG and epiretinal membrane peeling assisted by TA. We prospectively examined 9 eyes with retinal detachment resulting from a macular hole and with follow-up periods longer than 12 months. The main outcome was evaluated by the anatomical success rate, functional success rate, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: In the 7 of 9 eyes, the retina was reattached with closure of the macular hole and without closure of the macular hole in 1 of 9 eyes. Successful retinal reattachment was achieved in 8 eyes (88%) after the initial surgery and in one eye after an additional operation. Visual acuity was improved in 7 eyes, was unchanged in one eye, and decreased in one eye. The functional success rate was 78%. CONCLUSIONS: In retinal detachment resulting from a macular hole, removal of the internal limiting membrane by ICG, and the posterior hyaloid membrane and epiretinal membrane by TA typically results in anatomical and functional success.