A Propensity-Score Matching Comparison between 27-Gauge and 25-Gauge Vitrectomy Systems for the Repair of Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Abstract EN

Purpose.

To compare the anatomical and visual results and complications of 27-gauge versus 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy for the management of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

Methods.

A prospective, propensity score-matched 6-month study was performed.

All patients underwent either 27-gauge or 25-gauge vitrectomy as the first surgical intervention and were followed up over a 6-month period, in order to evaluate anatomical success, change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and intraoperative and postoperative complications including intraocular pressure dysregulation.

Results.

Propensity score matching resulted in two groups of 37 eyes each.

All eyes completed a six-month follow-up.

Baseline demographic and preoperative ocular characteristics showed no statistically significant difference between the two cohorts.

The single operation success rate was 33/37 (89%) for 27-gauge cases and 34/37 (92%) for 25-gauge cases (p=0.7).

The final anatomical success rate was 100% for each of the two cohorts.

Mean BCVA change at the 6-month postoperative follow-up visit was −0.67 logMAR in the 27-gauge group and −0.71 logMAR in the 25-gauge group (p=0.9).

Two patients in the 25-gauge group experienced transient hypotony after surgery.

Conclusion.

No significant difference between 27-gauge and 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy for the repair of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was recorded in terms of reattachment rate, BCVA, intraoperative and postoperative complications.