A MODIFIED EN-BLOC EXCISION TECHNIQUE DURING VITRECTOMY FOR DIABETIC TRACTION RETINAL-DETACHMENT - RESULTS AND COMPLICATIONS

Purpose: The visual results and complications were determined for a mo dified en bloc excision technique for management of diabetic traction macular detachment. Patients and Methods: A consecutive series of 30 e yes with this condition underwent pars plana vitrectomy, during which all posterior hyaloid except for portions essential for membrane disse ction were excised. Bimanual dissection techniques then allowed excisi on of fibrovascular membranes ''en bloc'' with the retained hyaloid. R esults: After 6 to 44 months of follow-up, visual acuity of 5/200 or b etter was obtained in 23 (77%) of 30 eyes, with complete reattachment in 29 (97%) of 30 eyes. latrogenic retinal breaks occurred in 6 (20%) of 30 eyes. Two eyes required repeat vitrectomy. Conclusions: The modi fied en bloc excision technique allowed similar visual outcome, a high er reattachment rate, and less postoperative morbidity than previously reported surgical approaches to diabetic traction macular detachment.