Vitrectomy Surgery

Vitrectomy surgery is a medical procedure that involves removing the clear fluid called vitreous. Vitreous fluid is often associated with macular holes because reasons such as deterioration of the structure of the vitreous fluid can lead to the formation of macular holes and worsening of these holes. Therefore, vitrectomy is generally a procedure resorted to as a result of macular degeneration. Surgical vitrectomy is not as frightening a procedure as it is thought to be and provides effective results for health problems such as macular holes or vitreous hemorrhage within a short period of time.

What is Vitrectomy Surgery?

Vitrectomy surgery is a surgical procedure used to treat many health problems, primarily macular holes and diabetic retinopathy. The vitrectomy procedure involves intervention in the vitreous cavity at the back of the eye. During this intervention, very small incisions are made and the jelly-like fluid called vitreous fluid is removed. Reliable, high-quality medical devices that do not damage the area are used to remove this fluid. In addition, depending on the situation, repair procedures may be performed on the retinal layer, or only the cloudy vitreous fluid may be removed.

What Methods Are Used for Vitrectomy Surgery?

The methods used may vary from patient to patient. The vitrectomy procedure is generally performed using traditional surgical methods. This may involve making incisions inside the eye. In addition, micro-methods may also be used today. The methods used directly or indirectly affect many important issues, such as the recovery time vitrectomy patients can expect.

Who is Eligible for Vitrectomy Surgery?

This procedure is suitable for many different patient profiles. The main individuals who can benefit from the vitrectomy operation are those suffering from health problems such as macular hole, retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, diabetic retinopathy, complicated cataracts, and advanced eye infections. The main reason for this is that surgical vitrectomy offers a solution for these health problems. In addition to all this, meeting certain criteria, such as being at least 18 years old, may also be necessary to be eligible for the procedure.

How is Vitrectomy Surgery Performed?

This operation can be performed in different ways, depending on the surgical method deemed appropriate for the patient. However, in general, these procedures involve the use of local anesthesia, a special device to assist in removing the vitreous fluid, and medical microscopes. Thanks to all these tools and procedures, such as the surgeon making incisions at appropriate points, the vitreous fluid can be removed and the vitrectomy operation can be completed.

How Long Does Vitrectomy Surgery Take?

The duration depends on the specific circumstances. The main factors determining the duration of the vitrectomy operation are the patient’s general health, the method chosen for the operation, and the experience of the doctor performing the operation. However, these procedures generally last a few hours.

Will I Feel Pain During Vitrectomy Surgery?

It is technically impossible to feel pain during the procedure. The vitrectomy procedure is generally performed under local anesthesia. Therefore, it is impossible to feel anything, especially pain, during the operation because the eye area is numb.

What Are the Advantages of Vitrectomy Surgery?

The advantages may vary depending on the situation because vitrectomy is a surgical operation that can be used for more than one health problem, not just one. The main advantages are that it offers definitive, effective, and rapid solutions for health problems such as retinal detachment, macular hole, and vitreous hemorrhage. This allows the individual to be in an advantageous position both in terms of general eye health and the time they have to spend on treatments.

What Are the Risks and Possible Complications of Vitrectomy Surgery?

Like all surgical procedures, this operation also carries certain risks and potential complications. These risks and potential complications can be explained in a few points.

• Development of eye infections
• Development of cataracts
• Increase in intraocular pressure (eye pressure)
• Vision impairment

Preoperative Preparation Process for Vitrectomy Surgery

The preparation process requires undergoing an examination first and then having various tests done. This will help you get ready for surgical vitrectomy and assist your doctor in performing the operation in an ideal manner. The steps to be taken in the preparation process can be covered under several headings.

Vitrectomy Surgery Examination Process

You will need to undergo an examination by an ophthalmologist. Comprehensive examinations by ophthalmologists and accompanying tests will allow the most suitable vitrectomy procedure to be selected for you and an appropriate treatment plan to be prepared accordingly.

Tests Performed for Vitrectomy Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, certain tests must be performed beforehand. These tests primarily include tests to measure eye pressure and visual field tests. In addition, some tests may be performed to assess your general health status and determine your suitability for surgery.

Recovery Process and Care Following Vitrectomy Surgery

Although this procedure can be performed easily and with innovative methods today, it is still a significant operation. Therefore, it is necessary to go through a recovery process and to be careful about various issues during this process. Understanding the recovery time vitrectomy patients typically experience helps set realistic expectations for healing.

The First 3 Months After Vitrectomy Surgery

The first 3 months are a critical period known as the early recovery phase. During this phase, it is crucial to undergo regular check-ups with your doctor, take medication as prescribed, and pay attention to many other things. Otherwise, you may face various complications and health problems during the early recovery period.

What Should You Pay Attention to After Vitrectomy Surgery?

What to pay attention to involves certain things you should or should not do in the short and long term after the operation. These considerations can be explained in a few points.

• Do not remove the eye bandages for at least a few days without your doctor’s approval.
• Avoid getting anything, including water, near the eye area
• Protect the eye with materials such as sunglasses even after the bandages are removed
• Maintain good hygiene
• Avoid rubbing your eyes
• Use medications such as antibiotic eye drops regularly.

When Should I Contact My Doctor After Vitrectomy Surgery?

You should contact your doctor in certain extreme situations, such as if you experience vision loss, extreme discomfort in your eye, have an inflammatory discharge, or are extremely sensitive to light. The main reason for this is that some extreme situations that may occur indicate that something has gone wrong and you need medical intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of vitrectomy surgery?

The vitrectomy surgery cost may vary depending on the situation. The main reason for this is that, as with almost all operations, there are certain factors that determine the total expense. The main factors affecting the vitrectomy surgery cost are the level of experience of the eye disease specialist surgeon who will perform the operation, the patient’s general health condition, the method to be used for the vitrectomy operation, and the facilities of the healthcare institution where the operation will be performed. Therefore, you need to consult healthcare institutions such as Vega Health Agency to get accurate information about the pricing.

Can I lie on my side after vitrectomy surgery?

It is possible to lie down after the procedure. However, this may vary depending on the content of your surgery and the medical materials used during your surgery. For example, if the vitreous cavity is filled with gas, you will need to lie face down. Otherwise, the treatment may not be successful and may even lead to complications. In addition, if the vitreous cavity is filled with solutions such as saline, there are no restrictions on lying on your side.

How soon after vitrectomy surgery can you fly?

The timeframe for when you can fly varies depending on the specifics of your case. The gas used to fill the space left by the vitreous fluid during the vitrectomy procedure requires patients to refrain from flying until the gas is completely absorbed. Therefore, you should not travel by plane for at least 2-3 months after procedures involving the use of gas. After operations that do not involve the use of gas, you can fly within a few weeks.

How long after vitrectomy can I have cataract surgery?

How soon you can have cataract surgery depends on the situation. Although this operation offers many advantages in many different ways, it is a surgery in which the vitreous fluid that nourishes the natural lens is removed, so it can trigger cataract formation or cause cataract problems to progress very quickly in patients who already have cataracts. Therefore, many patients who undergo the vitrectomy operation may need cataract surgery within a short period of time. You may need to wait at least 3-4 months before having cataract surgery.

Does the vitreous fluid in the eye refill after vitrectomy surgery?

The vitreous fluid in the eye refills after the procedure. The vitreous fluid, also known as vitreous humor, is a jelly-like fluid that is removed during the vitrectomy operation using special medical devices. After this fluid is removed, refilling procedures, such as gas injection, can be performed on the area. After the gas in the vitreous cavity is absorbed, a transparent, gel-like fluid that performs the function of vitreous fluid fills the area, allowing the body to adapt to the process.

Is vitrectomy surgery performed under anesthesia?

Vitrectomy surgery is performed under anesthesia. In these procedures, anesthesia is administered as a first step to prevent individuals from experiencing pain and fear. Local anesthesia is used instead of general anesthesia in most eye surgeries, including vitrectomy. The main reason for this is to avoid exposing the patient to the risks of general anesthesia unnecessarily. However, the operation can also be performed under general anesthesia, depending on the individual’s overall health and requests.