Professional
Technical
IVT
vitrectomy
Pronunciation: VIT-rek-toh-mee
Surgical removal of vitreous gel from the posterior segment of the eye.
Full Definition
Vitrectomy is a microsurgical procedure that involves the removal of vitreous humor from the posterior chamber of the eye through small gauge instruments inserted through the pars plana. The procedure is performed to treat various retinal conditions including retinal detachment, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, diabetic retinopathy, and vitreous hemorrhage. During the surgery, the vitreous is replaced with a substitute fluid, gas bubble, or silicone oil depending on the specific condition being treated. Modern vitrectomy techniques utilize 23-gauge, 25-gauge, or 27-gauge instrumentation for minimally invasive surgery.
In Context
- "A 25-gauge vitrectomy was performed to repair the macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment." — Operative report
- "The patient underwent vitrectomy with membrane peeling for treatment of the macular pucker." — Surgical summary
Also known as
pars plana vitrectomy
PPV
Don't confuse with
vitreolysis
vitreous tap