The efficacy of 20-gauge and 23-gauge vitrectomy system was investigated in primary vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

Eyes that underwent primary vitrectomy without scleral buckling for the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were followed up at least 6 months and were reviewed retrospectively. Anatomic results, functional outcomes, operation time and complications were compared between 20-gauge and 23-gauge groups.

Among 59 eyes of 59 patients, the 20-gauge group had 29 eyes of 29 patients and 23-gauge group had 30 eyes of 30 patients. Anatomic success after a single operation was obtained in 23 eyes (79.3%) of the 20-gauge group and 28 eyes (93.3%) of the 23-gauge group. Recurrence occurred in 6 eyes (20.7%) in the 20-gauge and in 2 eyes (6.6%) in the 23-gauge group. Retinal reattachment in all of these eyes was obtained through reoperation. Visual acuity improved logMAR 0.2 or more in 19 eyes (65.5%) of the 20-gauge group and 20 eyes (66.7%) of the 23 gauge group ( p =0.153, 0.215). The average operation time of the 23-gauge group was 80.2 minutes, which was significantly shorter than the 94.8 minutes of the 20-gauge group ( p =0.008). Transient ocular hypertension and progression of lens opacity were the most common complications in the both groups.

Twenty-three-gauge transconjuctival sutureless vitrectomy achieved outcomes comparable with 20-gauge vitrectomy, with significantly shorter operation time in repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. It is considered as a viable alternative to 20-gauge vitrectomy in selected cases.