Long-term outcomes of 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy

Aim: To assess the long-term efficacy and safety of 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless pars plana vitrectomy in the management of vitreoretinal diseases. Materials and methods: In this study, 53 eyes of patients who underwent 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless pars plana vitrectomy were included. A complete ophthalmological examination was performed preoperatively and at day 1, week 1, and months 1, 3, 6, and 12 after the surgery. Results: The mean age of the patients was 56.3 years (range: 22-73). Overall, the mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 20/800, and the final mean postoperative best-corrected visual acuity at the 12-month visit was 20/160. The overall rate of eyes having an increased best-corrected visual acuity was 75.4% at month 12. Subconjunctival haemorrhage was observed in 7 eyes (13.2%), move of trocar in 4 eyes (7.5%), and fluid leakage to conjunctival entry sites in 2 eyes (3.7%). Postoperative complications included cataract formation in 8 of 31 eyes (25.8%), elevated intraocular pressure in 8 eyes (15.1%), hypotonia in 4 eyes (7.5%), subconjunctival bleb of silicone oil in 1 of 15 eyes (6.6%), and conjunctival irritation in 2 eyes (3.7%). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, vitreoretinal surgery with 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy appears to be an effective and safe technique for the management of posterior segment diseases.