Pars Plana Vitrectomy

After clearance from your medical doctor, patients are place on NPO nothing by mouth for 6 hours prior to surgery. Depending on patient, they may be given local anesthesia which may be combined with intravenous sedation. If the patient is very anxious, general anesthesia may be used.

Indications: Retinal Detachment, Epiretinal Membrane, Macular Holes, Vitreous Hemorrhage, Diabetic Retinopathy

3 small trochars are placed around the eye which allows us to remove the gel of the eye, and cut the membranes, or suction the blood . Special scissors and forceps maybe used to remove unwanted membranes. The gel is then replaced either with gas, fluid or oil, depending on the problem. Laser may also be applied as needed.

We use sutureless high speed (5000-10,000 cuts/min) vitrectomy using the Bausch and Lomb Stellaris PC machine or  the Alcon Constellation System, to enhance safety of the operation. Occasionally, a few stitches are made to ensure no leakage. The usual older machines can cut only 600 cuts or at most 2500 cuts.

The operation may take 0.5 -4 hours, depending on the complexity of the case. The patient is sent home after observation in the recovery room. Recovery after retinal surgery may take 2 months or more. Patient can usually go back to work in 2 weeks or so, but if special gases are used, he cannot ride an airplane for 6 weeks or more.

Special face down positioning may be required, when long acting gases are placed in the eye. If you have rheumatism, undergoing dialysis, or unable to sleep face down, we may put medical grade silicone oil. Silicone oil usually requires removal at a later date.