PURPOSE: Sutureless Transconjunctival 20 Gauge Vitrectomy (20G STV) is a technique that reduces the operating time and the post-operative inflammation. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Eighty-four eyes underwent this new technique. Conjunctival diathermy over the ports before sclerostomy produced adhesions adequate to stop transoperative conjunctival chemosis. The MVR blade introduced into the conjunctiva-sclera in a bevelled direction. The tunnel incision that was created left without a suture at the end of the operation. RESULTS: Three patients (3,5%) had hypotony (2-6 mmHg) on day 1 that was normalized 3 days later. Two of them had a bleb formation and the rest a very minor leakage through a flat conjunctiva. No other serious complications occurred as a result of this novel transconjunctival approach. Also there were no differences in visual acuity, intraocular pressure, redetachments, or inflammations between the patients who underwent this technique and the patients having the conventional 20-gauge pars plana technique. CONCLUSION: 20G STV is a safe and practical technique for the full spectrum of vitreoretinal surgery. It makes the surgery quicker and is well tolerated by patients.
PURPOSE: Sutureless Transconjunctival 20 Gauge Vitrectomy (20G STV) is a technique that reduces the operating time and the post-operative inflammation. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Eighty-four eyes underwent this new technique. Conjunctival diathermy over the ports before sclerostomy produced adhesions adequate to stop transoperative conjunctival chemosis. The MVR blade introduced into the conjunctiva-sclera in a bevelled direction. The tunnel incision that was created left without a suture at the end of the operation. RESULTS: Three patients (3,5%) had hypotony (2-6 mmHg) on day 1 that was normalized 3 days later. Two of them had a bleb formation and the rest a very minor leakage through a flat conjunctiva. No other serious complications occurred as a result of this novel transconjunctival approach. Also there were no differences in visual acuity, intraocular pressure, redetachments, or inflammations between the patients who underwent this technique and the patients having the conventional 20-gauge pars plana technique. CONCLUSION: 20G STV is a safe and practical technique for the full spectrum of vitreoretinal surgery. It makes the surgery quicker and is well tolerated by patients.