Pars Plana Vitrectomy Surgery
What do you mean by Pars Plana Vitrectomy(PPV)?
A vitrectomy procedure removes the vitreous humor or gel-like substance in the eye. This approach can address vision problems caused when foreign matter invades the vitreous cavity of the eye. One example of foreign matter is blood, from conditions such as diabetic vitreous hemorrhage. Light rays passing through the eye cause the foreign matter to cast shadows on the retina, resulting in distorted or significantly reduced vision. A pars plana Vitrectomy removes the clear, gel-like substance from your eye’s interior. Once the surgeon removes the vitreous humor and clears the area, he or she usually injects a saline, gas or special oily liquid to replace the vitreous humor that ordinarily fills up the inner chambers of the eye.
What are the common indications of PPV?
The most common reasons for a vitrectomy include:
- Diabetic Vitreous Hemorrhage
- Retinal detachment
- Epiretinal membrane
- Macular hole
- Proliferative vitreoretinopathy
- Endophthalmitis
- Intraocular foreign body removal
- Retrieval of lens nucleus following complicated cataract surgery
Which kind of anesthesia is preferred for PPV?
Usually, Vitrectomy requires general anesthesia. However, local anesthesia is used in certain situations, especially when general anesthesia would be inappropriate, such as for people with breathing problems.
What are the possible complications of PPV?
Along with the usual complications of surgery, such as infections, vitrectomy can result in retinal detachment. A more common complication is high intraocular pressure, bleeding in the eye, and cataract, which is the most frequent complication of vitrectomy surgery. Many patients will develop a cataract within the first few years after surgery.
Can you advise about recovery period after PPV?
Patients use eye drops for several weeks or longer to allow the surface of the eye to heal. In some cases, heavy lifting is avoided for a few weeks. A gas bubble may be placed inside the eye to keep the retina in place. If a gas bubble is used, sometimes a secure head positioning has to be maintained, such as face down or sleeping on the right or left side. The gas bubble will dissolve over time, but this takes several weeks. Flying should be avoided while the gas bubble is still present. Problems such as a return of the original condition, bleeding, or infection from the surgery may require additional treatment or can result in blindness.
How much vision will be restored after PPV?
The return of eyesight after vitrectomy depends on the underlying condition which prompted the need for surgery. If the eye is healthy but filled with blood, then vitrectomy can result in a return of 20/20 eyesight. With more severe problems, such as a retina which has detached several times, final sight may be only sufficient to walk safely (ambulatory vision) or less.
