Purpose: To compare the safety and efficacy of 27-gauge (G) pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with 25-G PPV for the treatment of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).
Methods: In this prospective randomized comparative interventional study, 15 eyes from 30 patients were treated with 27-G PPV (Group A); the other 15 eyes underwent 25-G PPV (Group B). All patients were examined preoperatively and then 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after PPV.
Results: In each group, retinal reattachment was observed in 14 out of 15 eyes after surgery. After six months, both groups showed a statistically significant improvement in mean BCVA (P < 0.001); the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. No cases of ocular hypotony were seen, whereas intraocular hypertension occurred in two patients in Group B. No intraoperative nor postoperative complications were registered. There was no significant difference in operating times (P = 0.52).
Conclusion: The safety and efficacy of 27-G PPV for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment appear similar to 25-GPPV. We found no anatomical or functional difference in terms of postoperative BCVA, IOP, complications, and operating time. Twenty-seven-G vitrectomy is therefore a valid option in the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.