VITRECTOMY

General Information

DEFINITION-Removal of fluid from the eyeball that has clouded and blocked light from reaching the retina, causing loss of vision. A chemical solution is injected to replace the removed fluid.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED-Eye and all its parts.

REASONS FOR SURGERY-Restoration of normal vision or prevention of continued vision loss resulting from disease that blocks light from reaching the retina. These include: bleeding, injury or infection inside the eyeball; diabetes mellitus; sickle-cell disease; complications of cataract surgery; or glaucoma.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Adults over 60.
• Obesity; smoking; stress.
• Poor nutrition.
• Recent or chronic illness.
• Alcoholism.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES-Ophthalmologist.

WHERE PERFORMED-Hospital.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Eye examination; blood and urine studies.
• After surgery: Eye examination.

ANESTHESIA

• Local anesthesia by injection.
• General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• A small instrument is inserted behind the cornea. The instrument is used to cut free and remove the clouded vitreous fluid and scar tissue.
• This surgery often causes a retinal detachment. Usually this is corrected by injecting gas into the vitreous cavity.
• A chemical solution that promotes healing and stimulates normal vitreous fluid production is injected.
• If sutures are needed to close the surgical wound, they will be absorbed by the body.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Surgical-wound infection in the eye.
• Recurrent retinal detachment.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY-1 to 4 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME-Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 6 weeks for recovery from surgery. Vision will greatly improve by then.

Postoperative Care

† Move and elevate legs often while resting in bed to decrease the likelihood of deep--

vein blood clots.

• Use warm compresses over the eyes to relieve discomfort. > Don't lift heavy objects, bend over or strain with bowel movements until your doctor determines that healing is complete.

MEDICATION--

Your doctor may prescribe:

• Pain relievers. Don't take prescription pain medication longer than 4 to 7 days. Use only as much as you need. > Stool softeners to prevent constipation. > Antibiotic eye drops to fight infection.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery.

DIET-Clear liquid diet until the gastrointestinal tract functions again. Then eat a well--balanced diet to promote healing.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• You experience nausea, vomiting or constipation.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.