Last week, I performed primary vitrectomy, endolaser, and intraocular gas tamponade to repair a large, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment involving the macula. Performing surgeries each week to preserve the eyesight and quality of life in patients with retinal disorders is a humbling and extremely gratifying part of my profession. Like many of you, I love the variety of challenging cases we encounter as retinal surgeons, and I always find it helpful to discuss surgical approaches and techniques with colleagues.
This issue of Retinal Physician highlights important topics in vitreoretinal surgery. Dr. Christina Weng leads a surgical roundtable discussion with Drs. Mrinali Gupta, Nimesh Patel, and Frank Brodie. During this panel discussion, these leading surgeons share challenging cases that involve giant retinal tears, dislocated intraocular lenses, and subretinal placement of an investigational implant for geographic atrophy.
Drs. Christine Clavell and James Dossett share their insights on performing vitreoretinal surgery at high altitude. These experts discuss how elevation affects fluidics, intraocular gas behavior, tamponade selection, and postoperative travel planning. They concisely summarize important information every retinal surgeon needs to know regarding how altitude affects surgical planning and postoperative management.
Drs. Alice Zhang, Ali Elobous, and Chi Phan continue on the theme of surgery and discuss trends in intraocular tamponade. They review current agents, including silicone oil, intraocular gases, and perfluorocarbon liquids. In addition, they preview new technologies that may be the next vitreous substitute.
Additional contributors include Dr. John Kitchens, who reviews the benefits of intravitreal steroids during vitrectomy. Drs. Michael Zhao and Harry Flynn cover the topic of subretinal hemorrhages and how to manage them without surgery. Furthermore, Drs. Sean Lin, Tedi Begaj, Lloyd Harrison-Williams, Steven Yeh, and Grant Justin share information on their contribution to building a retina surgery program in Sierra Leone. Lastly, Dr. Sruthi Arepalli discusses the management of uveitis-related retinal detachments. In the coding column, Elizabeth Cifers answers common questions regarding coding for surgery.
I am appreciative of all our expert contributors who have graciously shared their knowledge. Their hard work and generosity is essential to the success of this journal. Thank you for taking the time to read Retinal Physician—I am grateful for your partnership. RP
