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The article discusses the increasing popularity of vitrectomy as a surgical treatment for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Doctor Donald J. D'Amico stated that vitrectomies performed in 2012 are higher by 80% than 1997 while the gold standard, scleral buckling declined by 70%. The use of the alternative technique pneumatic retinopexy also increased by 23%. D'Amico noted that victrectomy can be performed safely in many patients with phakic eyes.

The article reports on combined phacovitrectomy as the recommended procedure in patients over the age of 60 years who undergo retinal surgery. According to Gisbert Richard of the University of Hamburg in Germany, the process allows better visualization of the retina and the membranes that have to be removed. An interactive learning process between anterior and posterior segment surgeons is required in phacovitrectomy. The various approaches to vitrectomy are discussed.

The article reports on a study performed at Sant'Antonio Hospital in Italy which revealed that partial two-port vitrectomy with external slit lamp illumination lead to reduced surgical complications. The surgical technique can be used in treating macular hole, macular edema, vitreous hemorrhage and vitreomacular traction. The study has found that the procedure is a safer and less invasive method. The method was developed by Doctor Didier Ducournau.

The author offers information on a procedure called the T-membranotomy which he developed to displace floaters, which are a common visual complaint. He discusses some of the complications associated with vitrectomy. He also cites risks attached to the use of Nd:YAG laser in floater removal. In addition, he highlights the findings of a study he conducted which investigated the clinical safety and efficacy of the Nd:YAG laser T-membranotomy technique.

The article presents two opposing opinions regarding the risk of endophthalmitis in sutureless transconjunctival vitrectomy. The first view argues that the fairly minimum benefits of a 25-gauge approach is not worth the risk of the complication, and presents theoretical reasons for higher danger of infection. The second commentary claims that once vitreous were removed extensively, bacterial contamination can be prevented and there will no longer be a significant difference between the use of 20 and 25-gauge.

The article explores whether the risk of endophthalmitis is too high in sutureless transconjunctival vitrectomy. One surgeon cites some theoretical reasons for the increased rate of endophthalmitis in 25-gauge vitrectomy and expresses support for 20-gauge vitrectomy as a well-established and very safe technique. Another surgeon notes the need to follow recommendations for wound construction and prophylaxis to minimize endophthalmitis and defends the safety of a sclerotomy technique which he routinely performs both in 25- and 23-gauge surgery.

The article reports that a prophylactic 360° retinopexy performed during pars plana vitrectomy for retained cataract fragments may reduce the need for further surgical intervention. According to ophthalmologist Robert E. Morris, the incidence of retinal detachment has been reduced by ora secunda cerclage, a retinopexy variation. He says intraoperative examination of peripheral retina at the end of vitrectomy is vital since any laser prophylaxis is susceptible to early failure from retinal tears.

This article discusses a study on the use of 25-gauge vitrectomy tools in removing congenital cataracts among pediatric patients which was presented at the 2008 World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC). 14 patients who underwent surgery served as subjects in this study. Two limbal side port incisions were performed in patients. Surgeon Kevin Y. H. Chee said they were able to successfully complete the surgery in 95% of patients. He also noted that there were no intraoperative complications.

This article discusses a study on the effectiveness of preoperative injections of bevacizumab in improving results of diabetic vitrectomy procedures which was discussed at the 2008 World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC). Surgeon Maria Berrocal said bevacizumab seems particularly useful in more complex cases. Results showed that 76% of eyes treated with bevacizuma experienced improvement in visual acuity. The study also found that there are more postoperative complicaations in the vitrectomy-only group.