Hybrid 23/27 Gauge Vitrectomy – Combining the Charm of 27G with the Efficacy of 23G

Figures & data

Figure 1 23G versus 27G and hybrid 23/27G minimally invasive vitrectomy: surgical times for vitrectomy (those procedures that had been combined with cataract surgery were included after subtracting the estimated average duration of 8 mins for cataract component).

Figure 2 23G versus 27G and hybrid 23/27G minimally invasive vitrectomy: evolution of best-corrected visual acuity from before until 1 month after surgery. There were no significant differences between the groups.

Table 1 23G versus 27G and Hybrid 23/27G Minimally Invasive Vitrectomy: Intra- and Early Perioperative Complications

	23G (n=20)	27G (n=30)	23/27G (n=40)
No complication	16 (80%)	21 (70%)	28 (70%)
Suspected retinal pathology^1	3 (15%)	9 (30%)	9 (22.5%)
Intraoperative retinal tear or RD	1 (5%)	0	3 (7.5%)
Postoperative RD	1 (5%)°	0	3 (7.5%)*

Notes: ¹the majority of suspected breaks were confuted through cryotherapy. °One recurrent RD after treatment of an intraoperative RD. *One postoperative RD, one recurrent RD after treatment of an intraoperative RD, one postoperative RD after capsular rupture, no intraoperative breaks.

Abbreviation: RD: retinal detachment.

Table 2 Advantages Experienced with Hybrid 23/27G Vitrectomy Compared to 23G and 27G

Advantages	Disadvantages
Shorter surgical times than 27G	Insufficient light source
Less trauma to the ocular surface	27G expertise and equipment
No complete air or gas tamponade required
Requires at most 1 suture for silicone oil installation or removal
No problem with combined anterior and posterior segment interventions
No switching to larger port size necessary