Hybrid microincision vitrectomy surgery combined with 20-gauge silicone cannulas for use with 20-gauge horizontal scissors in diabetic tractional retinal detachment

PURPOSE To verify the utility and preliminary safety of a 20-gauge silicone cannula for use with 20-gauge horizontal scissors delamination during microincision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS). METHODS Thirty-eight eyes in 35 consecutive patients with diabetic tractional retinal detachment, who underwent MIVS between April 2010 and March 2012 and were followed for 3-24 months, were retrospectively assessed using a chart review. Twenty-gauge scissors delamination through a silicone cannula, with an additional 20-gauge port as a hybrid, was primarily selected when treating thick and rigid fibrovascular membranes, including fluctuating vessels over the detached retina near the macula. The main outcome measures included the proportion of patients treated with this hybrid method, the postoperative visual acuity, and the incidence of complications. RESULTS Compared with the 26 eyes treated with MIVS only, 12 eyes (32%) required a hybrid technique with the use of 20-gauge instruments through a silicone cannula in addition to MIVS. Two patients underwent additional surgery. Temporary silicone oil tamponade was performed in one case of retinotomy and one case of schizophrenia. The mean visual acuity (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]) improved from 1.43 ± 0.85 to 0.72 ± 0.47 at the last follow-up visit. No patients exhibited worsening of their visual acuity postoperatively. No sclerotomy-related complications were recorded during the intraoperative or postoperative periods. CONCLUSION Hybrid MIVS combined with a 20-gauge silicone cannula for use with 20-gauge horizontal scissors in diabetic tractional retinal detachment eyes is useful and safe due to the reduced risk of sclerotomy-related retinal breaks. This procedure is a reasonable option when performing complex surgery for diabetic vitrectomy.