Removal of subretinal proliferative vitreoretinopathy: case series and literature review

TL;DR

This study presents a simplified technique for removing subretinal proliferation bands in eye surgery, showing effective results with minimal complications.

Contribution

The paper introduces a simplified technique using membrane forceps and an aspiration cutter for subretinal proliferation band removal.

Findings

74% of cases achieved complete removal of subretinal proliferation bands.

84% of patients had complete retinal reattachment after surgery.

74% of patients reported improved best-corrected visual acuity post-surgery.

Abstract

To present the results of a simplified technique for removing subretinal proliferation bands (SPB) using membrane forceps and a vitrectomy aspiration cutter.

Retrospective interventional case series.

Out of 241 eyes (241 patients), 31 (13%) had SPB detected preoperatively or intraoperatively and underwent pars plana vitrectomy with SPB removal using membrane forceps and an aspiration cutter. Of these 31 eyes, the most common PVR grade was C3 (39%), while the most severe was D1 (10%). 61% of eyes underwent a combined scleral buckling procedure, and all eyes were tamponaded intraoperatively. SPB was completely removed in 74% (23/31) of cases. Intraoperative complications were detected in 10% (3/31): retinal hemorrhage (2/31) and subretinal hemorrhage (1/31). 84% (26/31) had complete retinal reattachment after a median follow-up time of 10 (range, 2–32) months, and 74% (23/31) of patients reported an improvement in BCVA after surgery.

Conclusions: For SPB removal, the use of an aspiration cutter can improve grasping of the band and its stump, reduce band fracturing, and minimize instrument exchanges during removal.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40942-025-00704-2.

Figures