8.3 Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a fibrotic disease caused by a complex cellular reaction representing a vitreo-retinal wound healing response that results from a retinal injury. It is the leading cause of failure of retinal detachment surgery. It occurs in approximately 10% of all retinal detachments. [1] Appropriate management of a retinal detachment at the first operation is crucial, as the risk of proliferation and re-detachment increases with each subsequent surgery. Studies on risk factors for PVR are difficult to interpret and have often yielded contradictory results. In general, PVR risk increases with:[1,2,3]

1. Prior failed retinal detachment repair
2. Pre-operative PVR
3. Larger breaks (over 3 optic discs or giant retinal tear)
4. Larger retinal detachments (over 2 quadrants)
5. Inferior retinal breaks
6. Concomitant choroidal detachment
7. Aphakia
8. Inflammation (including excessive cryotherapy)
9. Vitreous haemorrhage
10. Lower socioeconomic status
11. History of smoking

Note

Paediatric patients are known to be at high risk of PVR, but age in adults has not been shown to correlate with risk of developing PVR. Patients with retinal detachment following trauma and in pigmented races are also likely to be at higher risk for PVR.

If the breaks/PVR are anterior, the addition of an encircling scleral buckle provides extra support for these areas and the vitreous base.

If all three procedures are to be undertaken in the same operation, the usual sequence is:

1. Scleral buckle
2. Lensectomy
3. Vitrectomy
4. Retinectomy

Retinectomy in the setting of PVR should be considered when one or more of following are present:

1. Focal contraction (star fold)
2. Diffuse contraction
3. Circumferential contraction
4. Intrinsic retinal contraction
5. Anterior retinal displacement
6. Extensive fibrous periretinal proliferation
7. Contraction and fibrosis of flap of giant retinal tear

Some important points to remember:

1. Retinectomy should only be performed after all membranes have been removed
2. A larger but more peripheral retinectomy is less functionally significant than a smaller posterior retinectomy
3. Circumferential relaxing retinectomies are preferred to radial ones
4. It is good to visualise the full extent of the retina before creation of the retinectomy. A wide-angle viewing system is best for this. Otherwise, scleral depression may need to be performed by the assistant
5. Ensure adequate diathermy of the blood vessels and the area to be cut
6. For maximum relaxation of traction, ensure that the retinectomy extends into the normal retina on both ends of the contracted area

1. Wedge Retinectomy
   1. An anterior wedge retinectomy can be performed if the PVR is limited. A posterior retinectomy can be done in the setting of a single posterior starfold but in our experience most of these starfolds can be relaxed by peeling and posterior wedge retinectomies tend to have a low success rate
2. Inferior 180-degree Retinectomy (Figure 8.3.1)
   1. Generally the preferred retinectomy if the contraction is more diffuse. The horns should be cleaned meticulously. Perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) can be used to stabilize the posterior pole while the retinectomy is performed. The retina anterior to the retinectomy should be excised. Consider laser versus cryotherapy for the horns. A buckle can be helpful to support the horns
3. 270- or 360- degree Retinectomy
   1. Tend to be less stable (especially in 270 - degree) and visual outcomes tend to be poor. Try to avoid if possible. However, if needed to be performed, advisable to go for complete 360-degree circumferential retinectomy instead of 270 - degree. A scleral buckle is not necessary at this stage.