Vitrectomy and endolaser for complications of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Argon laser endophotocoagulation capability during vitrectomy surgery represents a significant technological advance. This report details the initial experience with this technique at the University of Minnesota in 18 patients with particularly high-risk complications of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Overall, 13 of the 18 eyes (72%) were stabilized anatomically. In comparison with preoperative levels, visual acuity improved in 11 eyes, remained unchanged in 1 eye and deteriorated in 6 eyes. The technique is used intraoperatively to treat existing, iatrogenic or purposeful retinal breaks and to do panretinal scatter therapy to reduce the incidence of postoperative neovascular complications affecting either the anterior or posterior segment of the globe.