INFLUENCE OF THE CANNULATED VITRECTOMY SYSTEM ON THE OCCURRENCE OF IATROGENIC SCLEROTOMY RETINAL TEARS

Purpose: To determine whether the use of the cannulated vitrectomy sys tem decreases the incidence of sclerotomy-related retinal tears relati ve to traditional vitrectomy techniques. Methods: Forty-one eyes of 77 patients in this study were randomly selected to undergo treatment wi th the cannulated port system. Results: We demonstrated a statisticall y significant decreased incidence of sclerotomy tears in the cannulate d group relative to the noncannulated group (1% vs. 7.7%, P < 0.05). T he benefit of the cannulated port system appears to be greatest in cas es in which an inexperienced surgeon is learning the techniques of vit reoretinal surgery, in eyes with a preoperative diagnosis of tractiona l diabetic detachment, and in surgery requiring membrane delamination (simple and extensive). Conclusion: The three-port vitrectomy system d ecreases the incidence of sclerotomy-related retinal tears.