vitrectomy risks

Hi, my sister is considering a vitrectomy after 2 laser treatments for retinopathy that has left floaters in her eye with continued bleeding.  I know there are risks such as continued bleeding, glaucoma, and even loss of the eye but cannot find any research on what the odds are for such complications.   Also if she has continued bleeding now, will this not remain the same after the vitrectomy?  Thanks

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

The risks of the procedure will not be able to be determined over the internet. You will need to get specific information from the retina MD ophthalmologist surgeon.  There are often several procedures that are piggy-backed onto a vitrectomy that changes the complication rate.

Generally what is done is a vitretomy is done to remove the blood in the vitreous then an endo-laser is used to cauterize the bleed proliferative retinal blood vessels.

JCH III MD

[rabbit317]

what is the success rate of restoring better vision upon removing the blood in the vitreous after the vitrectomy procedure, at the same time taking out the dense cataract. What are the post surgery treatment?

[John C Hagan]

I cannot answer that questions since it depends on many factors especially the amount and location of the retinopathy. She will need to discuss that with the surgeon. Some topics we can't generalize on this is one of them.

JCH III MD

[jeanie531]

A related discussion, Vitrectomy was started.