Montgomery and informed consent during Covid-19: Pneumatic retinopexy versus pars plana vitrectomy or scleral buckling for retinal detachment repair.

Recent reports suggest that the use of an outpatient-based procedure (pneumatic retinopexy, PR) for retinal detachment repair should be encouraged within the UK, especially in light of Covid-19 and possible restrictions/competing demands on access to operating theatres. It is therefore essential that patients receive comprehensive information about the risks and benefits of this approach compared with a formal surgical repair either by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and/or scleral buckling (SB). We report a retrospective case series of retinal detachments (RD) satisfying the strict selection criteria for PR but who were managed with formal surgery. Single-operation success rate for PPV/SB at six months follow-up was 93.8% in our study, higher than published primary success rates for PR (60-80%). When counselling patients for possible PR, the ease, speed and potentially reduced co-morbidity of an outpatient-based procedure needs to be balanced against its significantly higher failure rate in comparison with primary PPV/SB.

Optimal timing of vitrectomy for severe mechanical ocular trauma: A retrospective observational study.

Mechanical ocular trauma could lead to disastrous visual outcomes. There has been a controversy regarding the timing of vitrectomy for such cases. This study aimed to find out the optimal timing of vitrectomy for severe mechanical ocular trauma. Patients with severe mechanical ocular trauma who had undergone vitrectomy were enrolled and followed up for at least 6 months. Clinical data were collected including ocular trauma score (OTS), the timing of vitrectomy upon injury, visual acuity, vitrectomy results, post-operation complications and etc. All cases were classified according to the timing of vitrectomy upon injury into 3 groups: group A 1-7 days, group B 8-14 days, group C more than 14 days. A total of 62 cases were enrolled, including 20 eyes in group A, 25 eyes in group B, and 17 eyes in group C. No significant differences were shown of the gender, age or OTS among the 3 groups. Both functional success rate and visual outcome were optimal in group B, then in group A, and worst in group C. These results suggested that the best timing of vitrectomy for severe mechanical ocular trauma is 8-14 days upon injury; second best is 1-7 days; worst is after 14 days.

Limited Vitrectomy in Patients with Idiopathic Macular Hole

Background: Partial posterior hyaloidectomy is suggested to minimize traction on the vitreous base and thus reduce the risk of iatrogenic breaks in patients with macular hole and epiretinal membrane. Aims: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of limited vitrectomy in patients with macular hole. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Fifty-two consecutive patients who underwent macular hole surgery without complete peripheral vitreous removal were included in the study. The improvement in visual acuity, the incidence of retinal breaks and detachment, anatomical results, and intraoperative and postoperative complications of this technique were evaluated. Results: The median visual acuity was 0.2 (0.1-0.4) before surgery and 0.5 (0.3-0.6) after surgery (p<0.001). None of the patients had retinal breaks or detachments. A sulfur hexafluoride was used in 24 patients (46.2%), and perfluoropropane was used in 28 patients (53.8%). Three patients (5.76%) had revision surgery because of recurrence of the macular hole. We did not observe proliferative vitreoretinopathy or surgery-related major complications in any patient during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Limited vitrectomy without removal of the peripheral vitreous seems to be effective and safe with minimal risk of peripheral retinal breaks and detachment.

International Practice Patterns for the Management of Acute Postsurgical and Postintravitreal Injection Endophthalmitis: European Vitreo-Retinal Society Endophthalmitis Study Report 1.

PURPOSE: To study the practice patterns for the management of acute postoperative and postinjection endophthalmitis. DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional, nonrandomized, multicenter study. PARTICIPANTS: Data on 237 eyes diagnosed with acute endophthalmitis occurring after intraocular surgery or procedures provided by 57 retina specialists from 28 countries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rates of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), repeat intravitreal injection, and adjunctive therapeutic regimens (local and systemic antibiotics and steroids). RESULTS: Of 237 analyzed eyes, acute endophthalmitis secondary to cataract surgery or secondary lens implantation represented 64.6% of cases (153 eyes), whereas the remaining were secondary to intravitreal injections (35 eyes [14.8%]), PPV (29 eyes [12.2%]), and other intraocular surgeries (20 eyes [8.4%]). All eyes received intravitreal antibiotics on the same day of diagnosis. Overall, early PPV was used within the first week of presentation in 176 eyes (74.3%). There was no statistical difference in the proportion of eyes requiring a second intravitreal injection of antibiotics whether the eye was managed primarily with intravitreal antibiotics alone versus early PPV plus intravitreal antibiotics (29.5% [18 eyes] vs. 25.0% [44 eyes], respectively). Adjunctive therapies in the form of intravitreal steroids, systemic steroids, and systemic antibiotics were used in 25.3%, 21.9%, and 66.6% of eyes, respectively. The absence of disc or macular view and absence of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery were associated with an increased likelihood for early PPV (odds ratios 4.1 and 5.1, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Pars plana vitrectomy was frequently performed regardless of the presenting vision in eyes with endophthalmitis after cataract surgery and intravitreal injections. Increased vitreous opacification was associated with a higher probability for performing PPV.

Flow cytometry immunophenotyping of vitreous specimens does not contribute to diagnosis of lymphoma without supporting morphologic features.

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic vitrectomy with flow cytometry immunophenotyping (FCI) is being increasingly used as part of screening for diagnostically challenging cases. We aim to evaluate the utility of combined cytopathology and FCI in diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy. We also aim to evaluate cytologic features that could potentially predict FCI outcomes. This study provides clearer indications for use of FCI in diagnostic vitrectomy. METHODS: A case series of diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy specimens from 2010 to 2016 from a single institution was retrospectively evaluated. Associations between cytologic features and FCI were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Ninety-nine vitrectomy specimens (90 patients) were evaluated. Evaluation was diagnostic in 39 of 99 (39.4%) specimens. FCI was performed in 66 of 73 (90.4%) specimens collected for lymphoma indication, and 9 of those 66 FCIs (13.6%) demonstrated abnormal lymphocytes. FCI was performed in 10 of 26 (38.5%) specimens collected for non-lymphomatous indications; all 10 FCIs failed to demonstrate lymphocyte abnormality. The absence of large lymphocytes frequently demonstrated negative FCI (negative predictive value = 97.7%), and was the sole cytologic feature significantly associated with a negative FCI result [OR, 14.0; 95% CI, 1.65-635.6; P = .034]. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic vitrectomy with cytopathology evaluation is valuable, and concomitant FCI is useful to confirm intraocular lymphoma. However, the absence of large lymphocytes on cytologic examination is the single significant predictor of a negative FCI, and this finding should preclude the use of FCI.

Trends in treatment strategies for suspected bacterial endophthalmitis.

PURPOSE: To describe how vitreoretinal specialists have incorporated the Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study (EVS) findings into current practice, to highlight divergences from the EVS recommendations, and address the role of microbial culture in guiding additional treatments. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional survey of vitreoretinal specialists regarding indications used for performing a pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), selection of antibiotics for treatment, utilization of cultures, and treatment strategies for treatment-refractory patients with bacterial endophthalmitis. RESULTS: Of 681 physicians contacted, 149 (21.9%) responded. For patients with visual acuity of light perception or less, 75% of respondents utilized PPV. Intravitreal vancomycin and ceftazidime were used by 100% and 96% of participants respectively. Vitreal cultures were obtained more than 50% of the time by 86.5% of participants, and were used to influence retreatment less than 50% of the time by 77.8% of respondents. For patients with worsening clinical signs 48 hours after initial treatment, 69.8% of participants performed PPV with intravitreal antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: Although most respondents followed the EVS guidelines, a minority deviated, and the majority generalized their strategy to other forms of endophthalmitis. There is significant variation in retreatment strategies, and while cultures are frequently obtained to help guide these treatments, they are utilized infrequently.

Hybrid 20/23-G pars plana vitrectomy in endophthalmitis and trauma: a strategic approach.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of hybrid vitreous surgery combining active 23-G ports with a sutured 20-G 6-mm infusion cannula for performing vitrectomy in endophthalmitis and trauma. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of 10 eyes with endophthalmitis and 10 eyes with trauma requiring vitreous surgery, having corneal clarity suitable for vitrectomy and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) greater than or equal to light perception. All patients underwent hybrid 20/23-G vitrectomy. Intraoperative notes were analyzed for peroperative complications. The BCVA and retinal status at 3 months were analyzed. RESULTS: In the endophthalmitis group, patients ranged from 5 to 85 years of age and showed varied etiologies. Retinal detachment was present in 5 eyes, which received silicone oil tamponade. Mean preoperative logMAR visual acuity (VA) was 2.29 ± 0.45, which improved to 1.10 ± 0.72 at 3 months postoperatively (p<0.001). Trauma cases ranged from 21 to 75 years of age. Retinal detachment was present in 9 out of 10 eyes, all of which received silicone oil tamponade. Preoperative logMAR VA was 2.26 ± 0.71, which improved to 1.33 ± 0.50 postoperatively (p<0.001). At 3 months postsurgery, the retina was attached in all eyes in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The longer sutured 20-G cannula was easier to visualize through fibrin, exudates, and hemorrhage and did not slip out or enter the suprachoroidal space in any of our cases. The 23-G active ports and vitrectomy cutter enhanced safety and efficacy. Hybrid vitrectomy enabled safe surgery in these difficult cases.

[Evaluation of surgical simulation sessions of the French society of ophthalmology. A new surgical instruction method]. / Évaluation des sessions sur simulateurs chirurgicaux de la Société française d'ophtalmologie. Une nouvelle pédagogie chirurgicale.

INTRODUCTION: Since 2013, at the French society of ophthalmology (FSO) meetings, two simulators for intraocular surgeries have been available. The goal of this study was to assess the satisfaction of the participants in these organized training sessions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was mailed to participants in the FSO sessions as well as those carried out during the annual congress. This questionnaire collected data on the participants and the practical modalities of the sessions, and assessed participants' feelings and satisfaction with these sessions. RESULTS: The participants in the SFO sessions were young members of the SFO (31.8±12.3 years). 53.8 % were in training, looking to improve a problematic surgical step (capsulorhexis in 51.5 %). They spent nearly 5hours on simulators (4.8hours) and were alone on a simulator 50 % of the time. The sessions held during the annual congress were used by older physicians (41.9±26.4 years) already in practice (66.6 %). The goal of such training was curiosity in a third of the cases (to try the simulators). The majority spent less than an hour on the devices and were at least two participants per machine. Despite these differences, participants cited a role for their surgical learning curve and recommended such training to their colleagues. CONCLUSIONS: The participants' enthusiasm for this new training technique is highlighted by the results of this study.

Disseminated aspergillosis in an immunocompetent patient with detectable bis(methylthio)gliotoxin and negative galactomannan / Aspergilosis diseminada en un paciente inmunocompetente con bis(metiltio)gliotoxina detectable y galactomanano negativo

Background. Disseminated invasive aspergillosis is an exceptional finding in immunocompetent hosts. As in immunocompromised patients, it has high mortality rates. Early diagnostic methods are required in order to properly manage the patient. Bis(methylthio)gliotoxin (bmGT) is a novel biomarker, useful in onco-hematological patients. Case report. A 70-year-old male, with non-insulin dependent type II diabetes mellitus and a past surgery history of aortic valve replacement with coronary by-pass five years ago, was seen in the emergency department with blurred vision. Three days later, endogen endophthalmitis was diagnosed in the ophthalmology clinic. During admission for the vitrectomy, he suffered an ischemia of the right lower limb. A thoracic computed tomography revealed a mycotic aneurysm of the ascending thoracic aorta and parietal thrombus. The ascending aorta was replaced and abundant brittle material of infectious appearance, found between the aortic valve graft and the aneurysm, was removed. Aspergillus fumigatus sensu stricto grew in both vitreous and aorta cultures. BmGT was detected in two serum samples obtained prior to intravenous antifungal treatment, which was then reduced after voriconazole treatment was started. Conclusions. Disseminated invasive aspergillosis is a severe disease regardless of the immune status of the patient. This case report suggests that bmGT could be a suitable early diagnostic biomarker, not only in neutropenic patients, but also in immunocompetent hosts (AU)

Antecedentes. La aspergilosis diseminada invasiva es un hallazgo excepcional en pacientes inmunocompetentes, y al igual que en los pacientes inmunodeficientes, alcanza valores de mortalidad elevados. Para el correcto manejo del paciente son necesarios métodos diagnósticos precoces. La bis(metiltio)gliotoxina es un nuevo biomarcador de gran utilidad en pacientes oncohematológicos. Caso clínico. Varón de 70 años de edad con diabetes mellitus tipo II no dependiente de insulina y antecedente de recambio valvular aórtico con by-pass coronario cinco años antes, que acude al Servicio de Urgencias por visión borrosa. Tres días después se le diagnosticó endoftalmitis endógena en la consulta de Oftalmología. Durante su ingreso para la vitrectomía presentó una isquemia del miembro inferior derecho. La tomografía computarizada de tórax reveló un aneurisma micótico en la aorta torácica ascendente y un trombo parietal. Se reemplazó la aorta ascendente y se eliminó abundante material friable de aspecto infeccioso entre la prótesis valvular aórtica y el aneurisma. En los cultivos de humor vítreo y aorta creció Aspergillus fumigatus sensu stricto. Se detectó bis(metiltio)gliotoxina en dos muestras de suero obtenidas antes del tratamiento antifúngico intravenoso, marcador que disminuyó tras comenzar el tratamiento con voriconazol. Conclusiones. La aspergilosis diseminada invasiva es una enfermedad grave independientemente del estado inmune del paciente. Este caso clínico evidencia que la bis(metiltio)gliotoxina podría ser un marcador diagnóstico precoz no solo en pacientes neutropénicos, sino también en huéspedes inmunocompetentes (AU)

[Diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of diabetic eye control]. / Diagnose, Therapie und Verlaufskontrolle der diabetischen Augenerkrankung.

Diabetes mellitus can cause diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, optic neuropathy, cataract or dysfunction of the eye muscles. The incidence of these defects correlates with disease duration and quality of metabolic control. Recommendations of the Austrian Diabetes Association for diagnosis, therapeutic procedures and requirements for adequate follow up depending on stage of diabetic eye disease are summarized.

Concentración de interleuquina-6 en el vítreo de pacientes con desprendimiento de retina / Interleukin-6 concentrations in the vitreous body of patients with retinal detachment

OBJETIVO: Determinar los niveles de interleuquina-6 (IL-6) en el vítreo de pacientes con desprendimiento de retina (DdR). MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Mediante vitrectomía vía pars plana, se recogieron muestras no diluidas de vítreo de 40 pacientes sin antecedentes de cirugía vítrea o intraocular previa, que fueron divididos en 2 grupos: A (n = 20) pacientes con DdR y B (n = 20) pacientes con membrana premacular y agujero macular. La concentración de IL-6 se determinó mediante radioinmunoensayo. RESULTADOS: La concentración vítrea de IL-6 en el grupo A fue 122,4 + -16 pg/mL (rango 91,5-620) y en el grupo B fue 46 +/- 23 pg/mL (rango 3-150) (p < 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: Estos resultados demuestran que la concentración vítrea de IL-6 está más elevada en los pacientes con DdR en comparación con el grupo control

OBJECTIVE: To measure interleuquin-6 (IL-6) levels in the vitreous body of patients with retinal detachment (RD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Undiluted vitreous samples were obtained from 40 patients with no history of prior vitreous or intraocular surgery. Patients were divided into two groups: A (n = 20) patients with RD and B (n = 20) patients with pre-retinal macular membranes and macular holes. IL-6 was determined using radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: IL-6 vitreous concentration in group A was 122.4 + -16 pg/mL (range 91.5-620) and in group B was 46 +/- 23 pg/mL (range 3-150) (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: These results show that the concentration of IL-6 in the vitreous body was significantly higher in patients with RD than in the control group

Anillo de Malyugin para miosis intraoperatoria en femtofacovitrectomía / Malyugin ring for intraoperative miosis in femtosecond laser phacovitrectomy

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la utilidad del anillo de Malyugin transoperatorio en escasa dilatación pupilar durante facoemulsificación asistida con láser de Fs combinado con vitrectomía pars plana 23 G (femtofacovitrectomía). MÉTODO: Se presenta una mujer de 57 años con catarata y hemorragia vítrea, dilatación pupilar de 5,5 mm. Se realiza facoemulsificación asistida con láser de femtosegundo, colocando anillo de Malyugin posterior a extracción de cápsula anterior, seguido de vitrectomía pars plana y retirándolo al final. RESULTADOS: Se logró una dilatación pupilar transoperatoria adecuada, sin complicaciones, con una agudeza visual posoperatoria de 20/40. CONCLUSIONES: El uso del anillo de Malyugin puede ser una alternativa útil en casos con escasa dilatación pupilar en femtofacovitrectomía, conservando la integridad anatómica-funcional pupilar

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of the Malyugin ring in poor pupil dilation during phacoemulsification assisted with femtosecond laser with 23 gauge pars plana vitrectomy. METHOD: A 57-year-old female with cataract and vitreous hemorrhage, and poor pupil dilation (5.5 mm). The phacoemulsification assisted with femtosecond laser, using Malyugin ring after capsulorrhexis, followed by pars plana vitrectomy, and removing at the end without complications. RESULTS: A successfull intraoperative pupil dilation was achieved without complications, with a final BCVA of 20/40. CONCLUSIONS: The Malyugin ring is an effective alternative in cases with poor pupil dilation in femtophacovitrectomy, preserving the anatomical and functional integrity

Reoperation for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment as quality indicator for disease management: a register study.

PURPOSE: To establish a quality indicator that could be used in optimizing treatment for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). METHODS: The Danish National Patient Registry was used to identify surgery conducted in Denmark for RRD in the period 01 January 2001-31 December 2009. Cases were identified by diagnosis and surgical codes. RESULTS: A total of 6522 cases were operated for a primary RRD in the study period, and 22% (1434 patients) were reoperated for a redetachment. A Cox regression analysis showed that the risk of redetachment was equal to or less than detachment on the fellow eye 1 year after primary surgery with techniques not using silicone oil. The same was true 1.5 years after surgery for techniques using silicone oil. Based on this, we established a quality indicator defining failure as the need for operation for redetachment within 1 year from initial surgery when using techniques without oil and after 1.5 years for techniques using oil. Also the lack of oil removal within 1 year from initial surgery should be noted as an operational failure. We applied the quality indicators on the cohort of 6522 RRDs and found that in Denmark the need for redetachment surgery has decreased over time and also that high-volume departments have better outcome compared to smaller ones. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of reoperation for redetachment after initial surgery fulfils the criteria for a good quality indicator and can be used in RRD surgery. This indicator could aid in optimizing the management of RRD patients to minimize morbidity.

Coordination skills during vitrectomy in treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To discuss effective nursing and coordination skills for vitrectomy in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: Fifty patients (51 eyes) with diabetic retinopathy required vitrectomy were enrolled in this study. Individual nursing service was delivered by strengthening preoperative preparation, providing psychological nursing, and intraoperative observation of the severity of diseases by circulating nurses; meticulous nursing was given postoperatively. RESULTS: All 50 patients underwent surgery successfully. Intraoperatively, patients had stable physical signs. Five patients had postoperative visual acuity < 0.05, 14 with 0.05 to 0.1, 20 with 0.1 to 0.3 and 16 with > 0.3. No complicated infection was seen. CONCLUSION: For patients diagnosed with proliferative diabetic retinopathy requiring vitrectomy, full preparations should be made and psychological nursing should be delivered preoperatively, the severity of diseases and clinical reactions should be closely observed intraoperatively, and proper processing and nursing measures should be taken postoperatively, which collectively enhance surgical success rate, decrease surgical complications, and attain favorable treatment efficacy.

[Field of view changes after vitreomacular surgery: a treatment quality criteria].

The study enrolled 177 patients that had been admitted to the Research Institute of Eye Diseases of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences for diagnostics and treatment - 134 patients with idiopathic macular hole and 43 patients with epiretinal fibrosis. All vitreomacular surgeries were performed between 2005 and 2011. Visual field defects were seen in all groups and were classified as either peripheral or paracentral, or concentric. The groups differed by the rate and the localization of the visual field defects. A direct relation between the severity of iatrogenic retinal damage, the extent of postoperative retinal thinning and the presence/type of visual field defects was established. Causes and risk factors of visual field loss after vitreomacular surgery have been identified and analyzed. Preventive measures for this complication have been proposed. Treatment efficacy varied depending on the causes. Acute peripheral visual field loss--"tunnel phenomenon"--as a result of significant iatrogenic local retinal damage during vitreomacular surgery has been described.