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Vitrectomy has become more popular technique for retinal detachment
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 Donald D'Amico |
ROME — Vitrectomy as a treatment for retinal detachment has gained increasing popularity in recent years.
"Approximately 80% more vitrectomies are performed now compared to 1997, while scleral buckling, which used to be the gold standard, is down by 70%," Donald D'Amico, MD, Bietti Medal Lecturer at the annual joint meeting of Ocular Surgery News and the Italian Society of Ophthalmology, said.
Pneumatic retinopexy is a third alternative, "one of the most elegant procedures in retinal surgery," and is also on the increase, but it is suitable for only specific cases and highly cooperative patients.
Over the years, scleral buckling has remained unchanged as a technique, Dr. D'Amico said.
"It is definitely not a technique for all surgeons, as it requires great experience and skill at every step. The great masters of scleral buckling are no longer with us or no longer practicing," he said.
On the other hand, vitrectomy has made giant steps with the development of minimally invasive alternatives, progressing to 23 gauge, 25 gauge and even 27 gauge. It is more reproducible and standardized, and it is commonly performed and taught to new surgeons.
"There's no point in being nostalgic or discussing which of the two techniques is the best. Times have changed. Vitrectomy has surpassed scleral buckling in popularity and numbers, and we must resign to the fact that scleral buckling might soon be out of our surgical armamentarium," Dr. D'Amico said.
- Disclosure: Dr. D'Amico has no relevant financial disclosures.