A Modification of the Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane Flap Technique without Heavy Liquids and Prone Posturing

Abstract

Primary closure of large macular holes remains challenging, and variations of inverted inner limiting membrane (ILM) flap surgery have been described. In the present retrospective, interventional, single-centre case series, we propose a superior flap design with minimal posturing. Eight eyes of eight patients (four women and four men) in the period between July 2020 and March 2022 underwent 23 G three-port vitrectomy with a superior inverted ILM flap and 20% SF₆ endotamponade for a full thickness macular hole (MH) by the same experienced surgeon (F. M. H.). Seven MHs were classified as large (> 400 µm) and one as medium (250 – 400 µm). The mean MLD was 638.0 ± 166.4 µm (range: 353 – 851 µm). MH closure was achieved in all (8/8, 100%) patients with a single surgery. The median best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 6/120 (Snellen) (range: finger counting [FC] to 6/19) preoperatively to 6/19 (range: FC to 6/9.5) after surgery, without any intra- or postoperative complications. The superior inverted ILM flap technique seems to be a safe and successful approach for the primary closure of large MHs. Further studies should investigate our proposed surgical technique on a larger population, potentially without air or gas endotamponade.

Key words

macular hole - vitreoretinal surgery - internal limiting membrane

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