Ultrasound Biomicroscopy of Conventional and Sutureless (23, 25-Gauge) Sclerotomy Sites after Pars Plana Vitrectomy

Purpose: To compare postoperative anatomical sclerotomy sites of transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV) with conventional 20-gauge vitrectomy Methods: In this prospective, nonrandomized study 30 consecutive patients divided in 2 groups: group I, 15 eyes from 15 patients underwent conventional 20-gauge and group II, 15 eyes from 15 patients underwent TSV (23, 25-gauge) pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Wound gap, wound healing, vitreous incarceration and fibrovascular ingrowth (FVIG) at the sites of sclerotomy were assessed using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) at week 8, postoperatively. Results: In group 1 (conventional), healing of infusion cannula, vitrectomy and illuminating sites had occurred in 53.3%, 60% and 66.7% of patients. In group 2 (TSV), healing of infusion cannula, vitrectomy and illuminating sites occurred in 66.7%, 66.7% and 80% of patients. There was no significant difference between the two groups. FVIG was solely observed in diabetic patients in total sclerotomy sites (9 patients, 27 sclerotomy sites in conventional and 8 patients, 24 sites in TSV group). FVIG occurred in 7/27 sites (25.9%) in 20-gauge group and 5/24 sites (20.8%) in TSV group which was not significantly different (P=0.18). Wound gap was not found in any patient of the two groups. The overall comparison of sclerotomy sites (45 sites in each group) showed no significant difference regarding wound healing and vitreous incarceration. No case of ocular hypotony or endophthalmitis was observed at the end of follow-up time. Conclusion: Based on the UBM images of sclerotomy sites, there were no significant differences in vitreous incarceration, wound healing, wound gap and FVIG between TSV and conventional PPV.