Vitrectomy Surgery: A Step-by-Step Guide with a Retina Surgeon

Your simplified guide to understanding vitrectomy surgery. How is it performed? What type of anesthesia is used, and what happens in the operating room with Dr. Mahmoud Hassan?

Vitrectomy: A Precise Journey to Restore Your Vision

Vitrectomy is an advanced surgical procedure in ophthalmology, essential for treating various conditions affecting the retina and vitreous. At Al Mashreq Eye Center in Cairo, our specialized team, led by Dr. Mahmoud Hassan, a renowned retinal surgeon and a key contributor to the center, is committed to providing a comprehensive and detailed explanation of each step of this complex procedure, ensuring patients fully understand what will happen in the operating room.

What is the Vitreous Humor and Why Might it Need Removal?

The vitreous humor is a clear, gel-like substance that fills the largest part of the eyeball, helping to maintain its shape and provide a suitable environment for retinal cells. With age, or due to certain diseases like diabetic retinopathy, or injuries, this vitreous body can become cloudy, bleed, or cause traction on the retina, leading to vision loss. This is where vitrectomy plays a crucial role in removing the damaged gel-like substance and replacing it with a sterile saline solution, gas, or silicone oil, depending on the condition.

Preparing for Vitrectomy: A Step Towards Success

The patient's journey with vitrectomy begins with a thorough and comprehensive eye examination. The retinal surgeon evaluates the condition of the retina and vitreous, identifies the root cause of the problem, and assesses any potential risk factors. Preparation also includes:

• Necessary tests: This may include optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the retina, fluorescein angiography (FFA), and visual field testing.
• Discussion of medical history: The physician must be informed of any chronic diseases, medications the patient is taking, or allergies to certain drugs.
• Pre-operative instructions: Patients are often asked to stop taking certain medications and fast for several hours before the procedure.

Type of Anesthesia: Patient Comfort First

Most vitrectomy procedures are performed under local anesthesia, where an anesthetic is injected around the eye to ensure the patient feels no pain. In some cases, general anesthesia may be preferred, especially if the patient experiences severe anxiety or if the procedure is complex. The retinal surgeon determines the most suitable type for each case based on their medical assessment.

Inside the Operating Room: Step-by-Step with the Retinal Surgeon

The procedure is performed using a precise vitrectomy machine that allows the surgeon to visualize the inside of the eye and magnify the image significantly. Key steps include:

1. Microincisions: The surgeon makes very small incisions (usually 0.5 mm) in the sclera (the white part of the eye) to insert very delicate instruments, including the endoscope.
2. Removal of the vitreous humor: Using specialized tools, the damaged vitreous humor, which may be filled with blood or abnormal tissues, is carefully suctioned out and removed.
3. Retinal treatment: After the vitreous humor is removed, the surgeon gains direct access to the retina. At this stage, any tears or detachments in the retina are treated using laser or cryotherapy, or membranes causing traction are removed.
4. Vitreous replacement: To fill the space left by the removed vitreous humor, a sterile saline solution (Balanced Salt Solution), gas, or silicone oil is injected. The choice of material depends on the complexity of the case and the necessity of maintaining the retina in its correct position.
5. Closing the incisions: In most cases, the incisions are so small that they heal on their own without the need for sutures. In other cases, very fine sutures may be used.

What Happens After the Procedure?

After the procedure, the patient is transferred to the recovery room for monitoring. The patient may experience some discomfort or a feeling of a foreign object in the eye, which is normal and gradually subsides. Dr. Mahmoud Hassan and the Al Mashreq Eye Center team will provide detailed instructions on how to care for the eye, use drops, and permissible and prohibited activities during the recovery period. It is crucial to adhere to these instructions to ensure the best possible outcomes. Some cases may require a specific head position for a specified period, especially if gas has been injected into the eye, to ensure proper retinal reattachment. Important Instructions After Vitrectomy and Recovery Tips are key to success.

Success Rates and Expectations

The success rate of vitrectomy depends greatly on the underlying condition requiring surgery, its progression, and the patient's general health. Generally, this surgery has made tremendous advancements and is now capable of restoring vision in cases previously considered intractable. At Al Mashreq Eye Center, we are proud of the high success rates achieved by our team, which align with global success rates for vitreoretinal surgeries for 2026.

If you are experiencing vision problems due to retinal or vitreous humor diseases, do not hesitate to consult a specialized retinal surgeon. Your understanding of the procedure and its steps makes you an active partner in your journey to restore your vision.

For bookings and inquiries: 01002310813

Articles You Might Like to Read

• Common Eye Diseases in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Affecting the Retina and How to Prevent Them
• Retinal Laser Treatment: Benefits, Types, and Post-Procedure Care

https://drmahmoud-hassaan.com/en/articles/vitrectomy-surgery-step-by-step-guide