Our Summary

This study looked at how the experience and practice of surgeons can affect the success of two specific types of eye surgery: pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and scleral buckling (SB). These surgeries are used to treat a condition known as rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), which is a problem with the retina in the eye.

The researchers looked at the information from a large Japanese database of cases where these surgeries had been performed by 128 different surgeons. They wanted to see if the number of surgeries the surgeons had done in their lifetime, and the number they did each year, had any impact on the success of the surgeries and the patient’s vision afterwards.

They found that for the PPV surgery, the surgeon’s experience didn’t make a significant difference to the success of the surgery. However, for the SB surgery, surgeons who did a higher number of these operations each year had better results.

So, the study suggests that to get better results with the SB surgery, surgeons need to do this operation regularly to keep their skills up to date. This wasn’t found to be the case with the PPV surgery.

FAQs

  1. What are the two types of eye surgery discussed in the study?
  2. Does the experience of the surgeon make a significant difference in the success of PPV and SB surgeries?
  3. According to the study, how can surgeons achieve better results with SB surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

Therefore, a helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about retinal detachment surgery is to ensure that the surgeon performing the surgery has experience and expertise in the specific type of surgery being recommended. Patients should inquire about the surgeon’s experience with the procedure and how often they perform it to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended retinal detachment surgery are those with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), a condition where the retina detaches from the back of the eye. Symptoms of RRD include sudden flashes of light, floaters in the vision, and a curtain-like shadow over the field of vision.

Patients with RRD are at risk of permanent vision loss if not treated promptly, so surgery is often recommended to reattach the retina and prevent further damage. The decision to undergo surgery will depend on the severity of the detachment, the patient’s overall eye health, and their individual risk factors.

In cases where pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) or scleral buckling (SB) surgery is recommended, the patient may be referred to a retinal specialist for further evaluation and treatment. The success of the surgery may be influenced by the surgeon’s experience and practice, as seen in the study mentioned above. Patients with RRD should discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for their individual situation.

Timeline

Before retinal detachment surgery, a patient may experience symptoms such as sudden flashes of light, floaters in their vision, or a curtain-like shadow over their field of vision. They would then visit an ophthalmologist who would conduct a thorough eye examination and diagnose retinal detachment. The surgeon would then discuss the surgical options, such as PPV or SB, with the patient and schedule the surgery.

After the surgery, the patient may experience some discomfort or pain in the eye, which can be managed with medication. They will need to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon, which may include wearing an eye patch, using eye drops, and avoiding strenuous activities. The patient will have follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their healing progress and ensure the success of the surgery. Over time, the patient’s vision should improve, and they may regain full or partial vision depending on the extent of the retinal detachment and the success of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about retinal detachment surgery include:

  1. How experienced are you in performing retinal detachment surgery, specifically the type of surgery recommended for my case (PPV or SB)?
  2. How many retinal detachment surgeries do you perform each year?
  3. What is your success rate with retinal detachment surgery?
  4. What are the potential risks and complications associated with retinal detachment surgery?
  5. What is the recovery process like after retinal detachment surgery?
  6. What are the expected outcomes and vision prognosis after retinal detachment surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options for my retinal detachment?
  8. What should I do to prepare for retinal detachment surgery?
  9. How long will it take for me to regain my vision after retinal detachment surgery?
  10. Are there any restrictions or precautions I should follow after retinal detachment surgery to prevent further complications?

Reference

Authors: Yamakiri K, Sakamoto T, Koriyama C, Kawasaki R, Baba T, Nishitsuka K, Koto T, Terasaki H; Japan Retinal Detachment Registry. Journal: Sci Rep. 2022 Mar 10;12(1):4213. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-07838-5. PMID: 35273253