Results of Surgical Therapy of Advanced Stages of Retinopathy of Prematurity

The results of buckling procedures performed in 15 consecutive cases of severe retinopathy of prematurity between 1983 and 1990 are presented and discussed. The preoperative status was stage IV in 6.7% und stage V with an open funnel in 93.3% of these cases. Anatomical success was found in 53.3% in the early postoperative phase, but this had fallen to 33.3% before the long-term follow-up examination. Functional success at least with perception of large forms was recorded in 20%. The surgical technique and postoperative complications are described. The results of closed vitrectomy performed in 104 consecutive cases of severe retinopathy of prematurity between 1983 and 1990 are then dealt with. The preoperative status was stage IV in 13.5%, stage V with an open funnel in 18.3% and stage V with a closed funnel in 68.2%. Anatomical success was achieved in 29.8% in the early postoperative phase, but the proportion fell to 13.5% during a long-term follow-up study. Functional success at least with perception of hand movements was recorded in 10.6%. The surgical technique and postoperative complications are described.