A Comparative Study of 23-Gauge and 27-Gauge Vitrectomy for Puckers or Floaters, Including Evaluation of the Effect of Combined Phaco-Vitrectomy Surgery on Postoperative Outcome

Introduction: A single-center, prospective randomized comparison of postoperative recovery between 23-gauge and 27-gauge surgical approaches in vitrectomy was performed. Methods: A single-center, prospective randomized comparison of postoperative recovery between 23-gauge and 27-gauge surgical approaches to evaluate efficiencies and postoperative outcomes of the two surgical gauges. Eighty patients who were scheduled to undergo pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for floaters or macular surgery were treated with either 27-gauge or 23-gauge techniques and assessed for efficiency of the procedures as well as a variety of postop indicators of pain and inflammation. Results: 27-Gauge vitrectomy took 90 s more time compared to 23-gauge surgery. Wound closure was significantly easier in 27-gauge than 23-gauge. Less postoperative eye reddishness was seen in 27-gauge compared to 23-gauge. A trend towards less inflammation was seen in 27-gauge. Conclusion: Overall, the trial showed that 27-gauge has the better postoperative outcome compared to 23-gauge PPV. Combining vitrectomy with phaco-surgery did not influence the study outcome parameters.