Comparison of 23-gauge sutureless sclerotomy architecture and clinical outcomes in macular and non-macular surgery using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

Purpose: To compare the 23-gauge (23-G) sutureless vitrectomy incision architecture in macular and non-macular surgery, using anterior segment spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and to evaluated its influence on clinical outcomes. Methods: A prospective, observational case series of 43 patients who underwent primary transconjunctival 23-G pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for macular and non-macular diseases. All sclerotomy wounds were imaged 1 day after surgery using the anterior segment module of SD-OCT (OCT Spectralis; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). Sclerotomy architecture, including good wound apposition, presence of gaping and misalignment of the roof and floor of the incisions were evaluated. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative medical record data were also prospectively collected. Results: Incision gaping and misalignment of the roof and floor occurred more frequently in the superotemporal and superonasal quadrants than in the inferotemporal quadrant (p