help re upcoming membrane peel procedure

My retinal specialist is recommending I have an epiretinal membrane removed by PPV w/Membrane peeling. I am meeting with her for pre-op planning 4/3/09.

She received her med. license in 2002, has been Opthalmologist Board certified since 2006 and did her Fellowship from 2005-2007.

How many vitrectomies/membrane peels should she have done in the past for me to feel comfortable AND confident in her doing this procedure on me.

I am satisfied with her diagnosis and treatment so far.

Any info/help you can give me is GREATLY APPRECIATED!

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Epiretinal membrane is one of the easier vitreo-retinal procedures.  Skill amount vitreo-retinal specialist vary a lot.

Dr. O.

[sunny112]

Reading your response to having an epiretinal peel, I have been diagnosed with macular pucker in my left eye (20/60 stable.) I've had 24 injections of Lucentis. Can you recommend a specialist in this field in the Chicago area?
Thanks,
Shirley

[JodieJ]

Your choice of retinal surgeon can make a huge difference in the outcome of your ERM surgery.  I don't think that you will find a better surgeon for this procedure than Dr. Steve Charles of Memphis, TN.  (You can read more about his credentials at his website at www charles-retina com.)  He lectures retinal surgeons all over the world about his state-of-the art vitrectomy techniques.  I have yet to meet a retinal specialist who doesn't know of him.  I would strongly recommend that anyone considering ERM surgery travel to Memphis if at all possible.  You can use a local specialist for your recovery period.

If you must use a local surgeon, make sure that s/he doesn't intend to use pics, bent MVR blades, scrapers, or silicone-tipped tools during your surgery--all of which can damage the retinal surface.  ICG staining should also be avoided--this dye is toxic to the retina.  (I know people who now have permanent holes in their vision due to the use of the above.)  Including an ILM peeling in your surgery is associated with reduced post-surgery distortion (a good thing.)  The use of modern, 25-gauge "sutureless" instruments will make your recovery much quicker and more comfortable.  And consider it a big plus if your surgeon uses high-resolution Spectralis OCT (rather than Stratus or Cirrus).