To evaluate anatomical and visual results of transconjunctival 25-gauge plus pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in the management of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

A retrospective analysis of 46 eyes of 46 patients who underwent transconjunctival 25-gauge plus PPV for primary RRD repair between January 2013 and May 2013 with a minimum of 3-month follow-up was performed. Data collected for the study included patient demographics, lens status, preoperative visual acuity, macular status, and location and number of primary breaks. Main outcome measures were anatomical reattachment rate, postoperative visual acuity, operation time, and postoperative complications.

The study included 30 men and 16 women. The mean age of the patients was 54.3 years. The locations of retinal breaks were 24 (52.2%) eyes in the superior half, 15 (32.6%) eyes in the inferior half, and 7 (15.2%) eyes on both sides. The macula-on RRD was present preoperatively in 21 (45.7%) of 46 eyes. Of the 33 (71.7%) phakic eyes, 18 (39.1%) underwent combined phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, and PPV. Two different tamponades, C₃F₈ gas and silicone oil were used in this study. C₃F₈ gas was injected in the 33 (71.7%) eyes, and the remaining eyes were filled with silicone oil (1,300 centistokes for 11 eyes, 5,700 centistokes for 2 eyes). Mean operation time was 48.8 ± 13.2 minutes. Retinal reattachment was achieved in 45 (97.8%) of 46 eyes at 3 months. Mean best-corrected visual acuity improved from 1.33 ± 1.20 log MAR preoperatively to 0.68 ± 0.94 log MAR postoperatively ( p < 0.001). Postoperative complications included transient intraocular pressure elevation in 6 (13.1%) eyes and posterior capsular opacity in 3 (6.5%) eyes.

It seems that transconjunctival 25-gauge plus PPV can be a safe and effective option for surgical management of RRD.