Self-sealing, sutureless sclerotomy in pars-plana vitrectomy

Background If sutures are used in the regular closure of sclerotomies a trauma to the bulbus can be inflicted and intraocular bleeding might result. Phases of intraocular hypotony accompany the intraoperative exchange of instruments. Like in no-stitch cataract surgery we employed this type of self-sealing wound closure in pars-plana vitrectomies. A less traumatizing technique yielding a tight and effective closure is an alternative to the conventional approach and results of our experiences are presented. Materials and methods A modified approach for sutureless sclerotomy closure was applied in 50 eyes (150 sclerotomies). A sclera-covered sclerotomy is performed after preparation of adequate scleral pouches in conventional positions. A minimal conjunctival peritomy allows at the end of surgery an electric cauterization, thus using no suture material in the whole course of vitrectomy. Results Sutureless vitrectomies can only be installed in the primary operation. However, re-operations on 3 eyes were possible in the same manner using the old sclerotomy sites up to 6 weeks after initial surgery. In 12 eyes the sclerotomy had to be covered with a single suture to obtain adequate wound closure. A repetitive change of instruments during the surgical procedure is possible with this technique and all types of intraocular instruments can be employed. Conclusions Self-sealing sclerotomies are a simple and atraumatic approach for wound closure in pars-plana vitrectomies and allow a control of intraocular pressure during surgery.