Vitreous Cortex Remnants Removal with Beveled vitrectomy probe during Vitrectomy for Primary Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

PURPOSE: To introduce a new surgical technique with a beveled vitrectomy probe for the removal of peripheral vitreous cortex remnants (VCR) in primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

METHODS: This study was a retrospective case series. From September 2019 to June 2022, 54 patients with complete or partial posterior vitreous detachment that underwent vitrectomy for primary RRD by a single surgeon were enrolled.

DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUE: After staining the vitreous with triamcinolone acetonide, the presence of VCR was assessed in detail. If VCR was present, the macular VCR was removed using surgical forceps, and then a free flap of peripheral VCR was used as a handle for removing peripheral VCR using the beveled vitrectomy probe. Of the total patients, the presence of VCR was confirmed in 16 patients (29.6%). There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications, except for retinal re-detachment caused by proliferative vitreoretinopathy, that occurred in only one eye (1.9%).

CONCLUSIONS: Using a beveled vitrectomy probe was a practical solution for removing VCR during RRD vitrectomy as additional instruments were not needed and risk of iatrogenic retinal damage was low.