A review of vitreoretinal surgeries done at Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To review vitreoretinal surgeries done at Kenyatta national hospital (KNH) between 1st October 2000 to 30th September 2007. Design: Retrospective case series. Setting: Kenyatta National Hospital, the national referral hospital in Kenya Subjects: All cases of vitreoretinal surgery done from 1st October 2000 to 30th September 2007. Main outcomes: The main indications for vitreoretinal surgery, procedures performed during vitreoretinal surgeries, visual outcomes and complications related to vitreoretinal surgeries at KNH. Results: 297 cases were done within the study period, with 267(89.9%) medical records retrieved. Most eyes (79.8%) had a single operation. More right eyes (54.7%) were operated compared to left eyes.59.9% of the eyes oJ>eratedhad symptoms for more than 3 months. The mean age of presentation was 45.5 years, range was 3-82 years and peak age was 56-65 years. Vitreous hemorrhage was the main indication (43.8%) for vitreoretinal surgery with diabetic retinopathy contributing 47.0% of all the cases of vitreous hemorrhage, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment contributed 41.6% of all vitreoretinal cases done. Pars plana vitrectomy was the main procedure done, performed in 79.8% of all the cases. Visual acuity improved in 70.8% of all the operated cases. Those who presented late were less likely to have an improved visual acuity (p=0.040). Intraoperative complications were noted in 16.1% while immediate post-operative complications in 19.9% and late post-operative complications in 9.7% of all the cases done .. Conclusion: Vitreous hemorrhage and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were the main indications for vitreoretinal surgery, most patients presented late for surgery, pars plana vitrectomy was the main vitreoretinal procedure done, most patients had an improved visual acuity and duration of symptoms affected visual acuity.