Removal of optic disc stalks during diabetic vitrectomy.
Journal Article
Background
The morphologic features and clinical consequences of removing residual optic disc stalks during vitrectomy for complications of diabetic retinopathy have not been described.Methods
Twenty-four residual optic disc stalks that were surgically removed from eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and dense nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage and/or traction retinal detachment were studied histologically using conventional hematoxylin and eosin staining as well as a modified Glees staining technique.Results
Histologic examination demonstrated that 79% of the specimens consisted of vascularized glial tissue with an infiltrate of mononuclear cells and 21% consisted of glial membranes devoid of vasculature. Axons were identified in 33% of all tissues studied. Intra-operative hemorrhage occurred in three eyes with strongly adherent optic disc stalks and was controlled with transient elevation of the intraocular pressure. The presence of axons in the removed optic disc stalks was not correlated with a decreased final postoperative visual acuity (median time to follow-up 21 months).Conclusions
Residual optic disc stalks removed during vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy frequently contained axons. The presence of axons does not portend an unfavorable postoperative visual outcome.Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Pendergast, SD; Martin, DF; Proia, AD; Jaffe, GJ; McCuen, BW
Published Date
- January 1995
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 15 / 1
Start / End Page
- 25 - 28
PubMed ID
- 7754243
Pubmed Central ID
- 7754243
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1539-2864
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0275-004X
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1097/00006982-199515010-00005
Language
- eng