Two-Port Dry Vitrectomy as a New Surgical Technique for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: Focus on Macula-on Results

We evaluated a new surgical technique for treating primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), consisting of localized vitrectomy near the retinal break associated with drainage of subretinal fluid without infusion. Twelve eyes of twelve patients with primary RRDs with macula-on superior, temporal, and/or nasal quadrants' RRD with retinal breaks between 8 and 4 o'clock, pseudophakic or phakic eyes, were enrolled. All eyes underwent a two-port 25-gauge vitrectomy with localized removal of the vitreous surrounding the retinal break(s), followed by a 20% SF6 injection and cryopexy. The difference between pre-operative (T0) and post-operative mean BCVA at 6 months follow-up (T6) was not statistically significant (0.16 logMAR vs. 0.21 logMAR; p = 0.055). Primary anatomic success at 6 months was achieved by 86% of patients. No other complications, except for two retinal re-detachments linked to an incorrect head position of the patients, were recorded. Although further studies are necessary to evaluate the treatment's efficacy, we believe our technique could be considered a valid alternative for managing primary RRD.

Automated summary

We evaluated a new surgical technique for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) involving vitrectomy near the retinal break and drainage of subretinal fluid. The technique showed promising results with no statistically significant difference in visual acuity before and after surgery. Primary anatomic success was achieved in 86% of patients at 6 months follow-up. Potential complications were minimal, except for two cases of retinal re-detachment due to incorrect head position. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term efficacy of the technique.