Abstract
Interesting results have been reported on the use of pars plana vitrectomy with adventitial sheathotomy for the decompression of branch retinal vein occlusions (BRVO). Recent onset BRVO responsible for a visual acuity of 20/40 or less have been estimated to be good candidates for this procedure. We report on the results of the prospective evaluation of three eyes (in three patients) with recent onset BRVO which underwent surgical decompression. Three men, aged 40, 50, and 68 years presenting with BRVO for 4, 4, and 3 weeks respectively, underwent surgical decompression. Initial visual acuity was 20/80, 20/80, and 20/200. After 11, 10, and 9 months follow-up, visual acuity was 20/80, 20/200, and 20/200. In two eyes, an increase of the area of retinal non-perfusion was treated with peripheral laser photocoagulation. No cataract, retinal tears or retinal detachment were observed. Conclusion: although feasible, sheathotomy did not lead to a significant visual improvement in our patients. Dissection of the arteriovenous crossing could have induced vascular trauma. Furthermore, vitrectomy with posterior hyaloid detachment alone could be of benefit in the treatment of branched retinal vein occlusions. A prospective randomised trial is needed to assess the effectiveness and the safety of this procedure and to determine the best candidates for surgery.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Electronic Publication
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Le Rouic, JF., Bejjani, R., Rumen, F. et al. Adventitial sheathotomy for decompression of recent onset branch retinal vein occlusion. Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 239, 747–751 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004170100360
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004170100360