The history of pneumatic retinopexy: have we come full circle?

The historical literature on the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) was reviewed from 1911 to the present, focusing on the role of intravitreal air and gas. The history of the pneumatic retinopexy (PnR) technique is described from its original roots to the current day procedure. The treatment of RRD has evolved tremendously over the past century. The introduction of intravitreal gas as a tamponade to reattach the retina was critical in the development of modern day PnR. Although PnR is not a new technique, relatively recent randomized trials have demonstrated the numerous advantages of this procedure compared to pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and scleral buckle. From a historical perspective, PnR has its origin in 1911 when Ohm performed intravitreal air injection after external subretinal fluid drainage in an attempt to treat RRD. The evolution of the procedure was driven by the introduction and experience with inert expansile intravitreal gas injections, and several great surgeons made critical contributions to the development of the procedure. There is substantial controversy pertaining to the original description of PnR in the literature. Credit has generally been given to Hilton and Grizzard from the United States, although Alfredo Dominguez from Spain published the first description of the procedure and he went to great lengths in an attempt to be rightfully recognized for this. The first randomized trial in retinal detachment repair was led by Dr. Paul Tornambe, comparing PnR to scleral buckle and an additional randomized trial was subsequently carried out demonstrating functional advantages of PnR compared to PPV.

EARLY DESCRIPTIONS OF VITREOUS SURGERY.

BACKGROUND: Vitreoretinal surgical techniques have evolved during the last decades because of the development and evolution of pars plana vitrectomy. The introduction of modern vitrectomy is credited to Robert Machemer (1933-2009). The aim of this review is to characterize the early developments of vitreous removal. METHODS: We used the PubMed web platform to search the terms: complications of cataract surgery, vitrectomy, vitreous body, vitreous humor, vitreous humour, vitreous tap, and vitreous transplantation. Other publications were also considered as a potential source of information when referenced in relevant articles. RESULTS: The first description of vitreous removal for treatment of eye disorders dates the 17th century; it was conducted by a Dutch surgeon Anton Nuck (1650-1692) in a case of hydrophthalmia. In English literature, the first description of vitrectomy is attributed to the American surgeon John Collins Warren (1778-1856). This method was implemented in the spontaneous dislocation of the crystalline lens. As the fibrillar structure of the vitreous once destroyed could not be regenerated, the researchers aimed to restore the chemical composition of the vitreous. For several decades, vitreous transplantation was performed for the treatment of vitreous hemorrhages and retinal detachment. CONCLUSION: Although the achievements of vitreoretinal surgery preceding Machemer's inventions are uncommonly reported, they have contributed to the concept and understanding of the treatment modalities.

Sutureless vitrectomy.

Sutureless vitrectomy has rapidly been accepted as an essential part of a vitreoretinal surgical setup. The size and structure of the wound along with near intact conjunctival covering makes the incision self-sealing and safe. This allows the vitrectomy instruments to be used without creating an initial limited peritomy to expose bare sclera, and obviates the need for sutures at the end of the procedure. Wound construction is the essential step in ensuring postoperative wound stability. Both one-step and two-step wound constructions have been described. Key points include an oblique, tunneled approach to ensure a valve-like effect as well as misalignment of conjunctival and scleral wounds by displacing conjunctiva during construction. Advantages include decreased operative times in certain cases and decreased postoperative inflammation, early postoperative rehabilitation, improved patient comfort, and minimal conjunctival damage. Complications are based around wound competence, hypotony, and its relationship to endophthalmitis rates. Early reports highlighted an increase in endophthalmitis though further studies are required to accurately assess the incidence. Endophthalmitis has not been reported in cases that underwent fluid/air exchange. This review focuses on techniques, benefits, complications, personal experiences, and the safety profiles of sutureless vitrectomy systems. A literature review was undertaken using 'Medline' and 'Pubmed'. Search terms included sutureless vitrectomy, 20 gauge, 23 gauge, 25 gauge, and transconjunctival and small gauge vitrectomy.

Historical aspects and evolution of the application of vital dyes in vitreoretinal surgery and chromovitrectomy.

Lobeck and coworkers performed the first intravitreal application of vital dyes to visualize preretinal structures in 1932. Since then numerous investigators in the 20th century examined the use of biological stains through the endovenous, subretinal and intravitreal delivery route in order to identify vitreoretinal tissues and breaks. However, in the year 2000, a new surgical approach, recently coined chromovitrectomy, has arisen, which consists in the intraoperative application of vital dyes during vitrectomy. Initially fluorescein, and more recently indocyanine green, trypan blue, bromophenol blue, triamcinolone acetonide and patent blue have been used for the staining of preretinal membranes and tissues. Currently, many vital stains are under evaluation in animals for future clinical application during chromovitrectomy such as indigo carmine or light green. In this paper, several historical considerations in regard to the application of vital dyes in chromovitrectomy are discussed.

Vitrectomia em pacientes com pars planitis e edema cístico macular: quando indicá-la / Vitrectomy in cystoid macular edema due to prs planitis

O edema cístico macular é uma das complicaçöes mais temíveis da pars planite, frequentemente responsável por severo e definitivo déficit visual. A importância da vitrectomia no tratamento de muitas uveítes crônicas tem sido amplamente demonstrada. Já a sua eficácia na regressäo do edema cístico macular é um assunto mais recente e polêmico. Trata-se do primeiro estudo realizado no Brasil sobre a eficácia da vitrectomia no controle do edema cístico macular associado à pars planits. Sete pacientes com edema cístico macular crônico, rebelde a todas as tentativas terapêuticas, foram submetidos à vitrectomia via pars plana e observados, sequencialmente, por no mínimo 20 e no máximo 74 meses. O edema cístico macular foi responsável pela decesäo cirúrgica. A literatura foi revisada e discutida