Vol 34 No 2

Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab before pars plana vitrectomy in tractional retinal detachment

ABSTRACT

Objective

To describe the role of preoperative intravitreal bevacizumab in patients with tractional retinal detachment undergoing pars plana vitrectomy.

Methods

Five eyes of 5 patients with tractional retinal detachment and excessive fibrovascular membrane secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy received a single dose of 1.25 mg of intravitreal bevacizumab 5 to 7 days prior to the scheduled pars plana vitrectomy. Pre- and postinjection, intra- and postoperative fundus photos were taken. Intraoperative outcomes were evaluated based on change in the severity of vitreous and intraretinal hemorrhage, change in size of vessel caliber, amount of neovascularization, and the variability of the size of the fibrovascular membrane.

Results

The amount of hemorrhage, vessel caliber, neovascularization, and fibrovascular membrane were decreased significantly. Minimal bleeding during dissection of the fibrovascular membrane was noted.

Conclusion

Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab showed promise as an adjunct in the surgical treatment of tractional retinal detachment secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy.