Vitrectomy in Giant Retinal Tear: Anatomic Results and Influencing Factors

To evaluate the success rate of vitrectomy in giant retinal tears (GTR) and factors influencing it. In an interventional case series, hospital records of 68 eyes of 63 patients operated for GRT were reviewed. Standard three port vitrectomy plus placement of an encircling band, retinopexy, and internal tamponade was performed for all eyes. Possible influencing factors including age, sex, visual acuity, afferent pupillary defect, grade of PVR, size and location of GRT, macular status, extent of RD, interval from onset of symptoms to operation, co-existing eye diseases, surgical technique, post operative complications, and results after silicone oil removal were evaluated. Anatomic success was classified as complete success, relative success, and failure. Mean age of the patients was 31.217.2 and 50 patients (79.3%) were male. Underlying ocular disease existed in 39 eyes, of which high myopia was the most prevalent (33.8%). The eyes were operated after a mean of 30 days from beginning of symptoms. Silicone oil was used for internal tamponade in 64 eyes and was removed from 36 eyes. Patients were followed from 1 to 54.5 months (median 10 months). Anatomic success rate was 73.7%. Preoperative stage of PVR was the only factor found to be associated with worse anatomic results. Anatomic success rate was comparable to that of other centers and significantly better than results of a previous report from our center. Early operation of eyes with GRT before development of PVR results in better anatomic success.