Postoperative Complication Rates in 23- vs 25-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare rates of clinically significant complications between 23- and 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in vitreoretinal surgery. Methods: Demographics, PPV indication, and surgical complications were reviewed. Patients with prior PPV or other retina surgery; cases requiring silicone oil removal, keratoplasty, or glaucoma valve implant; patients <18 years old; or patients with <4 months of follow-up were excluded. Comparative and descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the data. Results: A total of 579 eyes met inclusion criteria, and their charts were reviewed. Demographics, PPV indication, follow-up time, and lens status were similar (P >.05). A 23-gauge PPV was performed more frequently than a 25-gauge PPV (328 vs 251 eyes, respectively). Although rates of eyes with a clinically significant postoperative complication requiring surgical intervention were higher in 23-gauge PPV (112/325, 34.4%) than in 25-gauge PPV (54/250, 21.6%), PPVs indicated by rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were more common with 23-gauge PPVs (155/325, 47.7%) than with 25-gauge PPVs (37/250, 14.8%; P <.001) and were more likely to have postoperative complications; however, rates of recurrent retinal detachments were not different in the 2 cohorts (P =.862). When controlling for differences in indication, there was a moderately higher rate of postoperative complications following 23-gauge PPV (P =.063). Conclusions: This retrospective review suggests that clinically significant complications are moderately more likely following 23-gauge PPV compared with 25-gauge PPV, even when the differences in surgical indication are considered.