25G Ultrasonic Vitrectomy in Surgical Treatment of Idiopathic Macular Hole

Introduction. Idiopathic macular hole (IMH) is a frequent disorder of the posterior segment of the eye that impacts on visual functions leading to the reduction of visual acuity and the manifestation of metamorphopsia. In the majority of cases the basic treatment technique for IMH is a three-port transconjunctival guillotine vitrectomy. In the key of the further development of vitrectomy the latest and most interesting is the use of ultrasonic energy for vitreous fragmentation. Members of staff of the Department of Ophthalmology with the Course of Additional Professional Education of Bashkir State Medical University jointly with the Department of Microsurgical Equipment of CJSC Optimedservice have built a 25G ultrasonic vitrectomy system with the mechanism of action that turns the vitreous body into easy-to-remove emulsion with the use of ultrasound.

Materials and methods. This paper presents a clinical case of idiopathic macular hole successfully treated with the method of 25G subtotal ultrasonic vitrectomy.

Results and discussion. The data obtained through comprehensive ophthalmological examination and supported by fundus-camera, OCT and OCTA images made it possible to make a diagnosis of vitreomacular traction syndrome, idiopathic macular hole, J. D. Gass stage 3. 25G subtotal ultrasonic vitrectomy was performed on the universal ophthalmic surgery system Optimed Profi (Optimedservice, Russia) with intraoperative OCT-controlled internal limiting membrane staining and peeling, and apposition of the macular hole edges with gas tamponade. A good outcome, both anatomical and functional, was achieved; IMH has closed and a positive visual acuity dynamic has been recorded.

Conclusion. We can thus conclude that 25G subtotal ultrasonic vitrectomy with ILM peeling and gas tamponade is an effective IMH treatment method that ensures high visual functions.

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