Our Summary

This research paper is about the study of a less common approach to eye surgery called immediate sequential bilateral vitreoretinal surgery (ISBVS), where both eyes are operated on the same day. This is usually a riskier and longer process than most eye surgeries. The researchers looked back at past cases and reviewed existing literature on the topic. They found that out of 14 patients who underwent this process, none experienced significant negative events, infections, or complications. The authors suggest that this type of surgery could be considered in specific situations, such as patients who can’t have local anesthesia, or those who urgently need surgery on both eyes and would risk a second general anesthesia if the surgeries were done separately. This is particularly relevant for cases where anesthetics are considered high risk.

FAQs

  1. What is immediate sequential bilateral vitreoretinal surgery (ISBVS)?
  2. What were the findings of the research study on ISBVS?
  3. In what specific situations could ISBVS be considered?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about retinal surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, including any fasting requirements and medication guidelines. It is also important to attend all post-operative appointments and follow-up care to ensure the best possible outcome. Additionally, it is important to report any unusual symptoms or changes in vision immediately to your healthcare provider.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for retinal surgery include those with retinal detachment, macular holes, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion, and other retinal disorders. These patients may experience symptoms such as blurred vision, floaters, flashes of light, and loss of vision, which may indicate the need for surgical intervention to prevent further vision loss or complications. Additionally, patients with trauma to the eye or other conditions that require immediate surgical intervention may also be recommended for retinal surgery. Patients with underlying health conditions that make them high risk for complications during surgery may also be considered for retinal surgery, as the benefits of the surgery may outweigh the risks in certain cases.

Timeline

Before retinal surgery, a patient will typically undergo a comprehensive eye examination to determine the extent of the retinal issue and to assess their overall eye health. The patient may also undergo imaging tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or fluorescein angiography to further evaluate the condition of the retina.

On the day of surgery, the patient will be prepared for the procedure by the medical team. This may include administering anesthesia, which can be either local or general depending on the type of surgery being performed. The patient will then undergo the retinal surgery, which may involve procedures such as vitrectomy, retinal detachment repair, or treatment for macular degeneration.

After retinal surgery, the patient will typically be monitored closely for any complications or signs of infection. The patient may experience some discomfort, redness, or swelling in the eye following surgery, which can be managed with pain medication and eye drops. The patient will also be given instructions on post-operative care, including how to protect the eye, when to follow up with their eye doctor, and any restrictions on activities.

In the case of immediate sequential bilateral vitreoretinal surgery (ISBVS), the patient will undergo surgery on both eyes on the same day. This approach may be considered in certain situations where it is deemed necessary to operate on both eyes quickly and efficiently. The patient will still undergo the same pre-operative and post-operative care as with traditional retinal surgery, but will have the benefit of addressing issues in both eyes simultaneously.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with immediate sequential bilateral vitreoretinal surgery (ISBVS)?

  2. How does ISBVS differ from traditional sequential bilateral vitreoretinal surgery?

  3. What is the recovery process like for ISBVS compared to traditional sequential surgery?

  4. Are there specific criteria or factors that make a patient a good candidate for ISBVS?

  5. How does the success rate of ISBVS compare to traditional sequential surgery?

  6. What is the expected outcome or visual improvement for patients undergoing ISBVS?

  7. How long does the surgery typically take and what is the post-operative care like?

  8. Are there any long-term implications or considerations for patients who undergo ISBVS?

  9. What follow-up appointments or monitoring are necessary after ISBVS?

  10. Are there any alternative treatment options or approaches that should be considered before opting for ISBVS?

Reference

Authors: Rubowitz AH, Rosenblatt HN. Journal: Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2020 Sep 1;51(9):494-498. doi: 10.3928/23258160-20200831-03. PMID: 32955588