The outcomes of primary pars plana vitrectomy alone as a first surgical procedure in pediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the characteristics and analyze the results of patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) as the first surgery due to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in pediatric age. METHODS: The records of pediatric patients who underwent PPV alone due to RRD were reviewed retrospectively. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) values were recorded before and after the surgery. Complications during and after the operation, postoperative recurrences were followed-up. RESULTS: One hundred and six patients included in the study were followed-up for an average of 24.20 ± 11.38 months. The final mean BCVA showed a statistically significant improvement compared to the initial mean BCVA (p < 0.001). During the postoperative follow-up period, recurrent retinal detachment was seen in 31.1% of patients. Anatomical success was achieved at a rate of 68.9% after the first surgery and increased to 95.3% after repeated operations (in 78.3% without any tamponade). Both anatomical and functional success of patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) grade C or worse and patients with macula-off retinal status were poorer (each p value < 0.05). The effect of the etiological factor on anatomical and functional success was not significant (each p value > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Satisfactory results can be obtained with PPV alone in pediatric RRD. However, it should be noted that postoperative complications and recurrences occur at a high rate and that repeated surgeries are often required. The presence of PVR and macular involvement are seen as negative prognostic factors to the success of surgery.