Learning curve a factor in successful retinal reattachment with vitrectomy in pseudophakic eyes

Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2009;247(3):319-324.

A retinal surgeon's experience performing primary vitrectomy without scleral buckling to repair rhegmatogenous retinal detachment could be an important factor in the success of the operation.

According to a chart review of 133 pseudophakic patients presenting with retinal detachment, successful reattachment of the rhegmatogenous retinal tear was achieved with a single surgery in 75.2% of cases. However, surgical outcomes were different according to the experience level of the operating surgeon. Successful reattachment was achieved in 80.9% of cases handled by the two most experienced surgeons in the study compared with 70% for the two less experienced surgeons.

In a separate set of 239 patients with pseudophakic retinal detachment who were all operated by less experienced surgeons, the success rate rose from 66.7% initially to 80% after a 2-year training period.

Overall, the study authors noted that vitrectomy without scleral buckling was effective for pseudophakic retinal detachment, but that surgeons learning the procedure require significant training and experience before achieving "acceptable success rates."