Vitrectomy Surgery in Palamu — Advanced Retina Surgery
Micro-incision vitrectomy for retinal detachment, macular hole, vitreous hemorrhage, and diabetic retinopathy — performed by Dr. Dibya Prabha, MS Ophthalmology, at Palamu Neuro & Eye Care, Palamu.
What is Vitrectomy (Vitreoretinal Surgery)?
A Vitrectomy is an advanced, micro-incision surgical procedure performed deep inside the eye. Dr. Dibya Prabha, our expert Retina Specialist, carefully removes the vitreous gel—the clear, jelly-like substance filling the center of the eye. This provides clear access to the retina, allowing her to physically repair catastrophic retinal issues, remove trapped blood or infection, and restore sight that would otherwise be permanently lost.
Why is Vitrectomy (Vitreoretinal Surgery) Done?
- •To physically repair and reattach a severely detached retina
- •To close a macular hole by removing the pulling vitreous gel and placing a healing gas bubble
- •To meticulously clear out a dense vitreous hemorrhage (bleeding inside the eye), often caused by severe diabetes
- •To aggressively clear the eye of rapidly spreading, vision-destroying infections (endophthalmitis)
How Vitrectomy (Vitreoretinal Surgery) is Performed
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Anaesthesia and Preparation
Vitrectomy is performed under local anaesthesia (peribulbar or retrobulbar block) with monitored sedation, or under general anaesthesia in select cases. The eye and surrounding skin are cleaned with povidone-iodine, and a sterile drape is applied. The pupil is dilated with topical drops to allow visualization of the posterior segment.
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Trocar Placement
Three micro-incisions (typically 23G or 25G, each less than 0.5 mm) are made through the sclera (white part of the eye) using a trocar-cannula system. These ports accommodate the infusion line (which maintains intraocular pressure), the fibre-optic light pipe (for illumination), and the vitrectomy cutter plus other instruments.
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Vitreous Removal and Membrane Work
The vitrectomy probe cuts and aspirates the vitreous gel in a controlled manner. Depending on the condition, Dr. Prabha may then peel epiretinal membranes from the retinal surface using micro-forceps, perform laser photocoagulation around retinal breaks or ischemic retina, or drain subretinal fluid. For macular hole repair, the internal limiting membrane (ILM) is peeled to improve closure rates.
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Tamponade Exchange
The vitreous cavity is filled with the appropriate tamponade agent: a gas bubble (SF6, C2F6, or C3F8) for retinal detachment and macular hole cases, or silicone oil for complex detachments where prolonged tamponade is needed. Balanced salt solution may be left in simpler cases. The choice of tamponade determines post-operative positioning requirements.
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Closure and Immediate Recovery
The micro-cannulas are removed and the incisions self-seal without sutures in most cases. Antibiotic and steroid injections are given around or inside the eye. A patch and shield are applied. You rest in recovery and are discharged with detailed positioning instructions (e.g., face-down positioning if a gas bubble is used). Dr. Prabha sees you the next day for the first follow-up.
How to Prepare
- •Undergo a comprehensive retinal evaluation including OCT, fundus photography, and B-scan ultrasonography (if the view is obscured) to confirm the diagnosis and plan the surgical approach
- •Fast for at least 6–8 hours before surgery if sedation or general anaesthesia is planned; take morning medications with a small sip of water as instructed
- •Arrange for someone to drive you home — your eye will be patched and vision will be significantly reduced immediately after surgery
- •Discuss all current medications with Dr. Prabha, especially blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin) — these may need to be paused in coordination with your physician for elective cases
- •If you have diabetes, ensure good glycaemic control before surgery — uncontrolled blood sugar increases the risk of post-operative inflammation and delayed healing
- •Prepare for post-operative positioning — if a gas bubble is used, you may need to maintain a specific head position (typically face-down) for 5–14 days. Set up your recovery area in advance with pillows, a massage-table face cradle, or a chair arrangement that supports this position comfortably
Related Conditions
Vitrectomy (Vitreoretinal Surgery) helps diagnose and monitor these conditions. Explore our condition pages for more detailed information about each.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the success rate of vitrectomy?
Success rates vary by the specific condition being treated. For primary retinal detachment repair with vitrectomy, anatomical success (retina reattached) exceeds 90% after one surgery and 95% after a second procedure if needed. Macular hole closure rates with modern ILM peeling techniques exceed 90% for holes under 400 microns. Epiretinal membrane peeling improves or stabilizes vision in approximately 80–90% of patients. At Palamu Neuro & Eye Care, Palamu, Dr. Dibya Prabha discusses the specific prognosis for your condition based on your examination and imaging findings, including realistic expectations for visual recovery — which can take weeks to months.
How painful is vitrectomy surgery?
During surgery, local anaesthesia ensures you feel no pain. After surgery, most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort — described as a dull ache, grittiness, or foreign-body sensation — rather than sharp pain. This is managed with oral analgesics and the prescribed eye drops. Significant pain is unusual and should be reported to Dr. Prabha immediately, as it may indicate elevated intraocular pressure or other complications.
What should I expect during recovery after vitrectomy?
Recovery varies by indication and tamponade used. If a gas bubble is placed, your vision will be very poor in that eye until the bubble absorbs (typically 1–8 weeks depending on the gas type). You must avoid air travel and high altitudes until the gas fully resolves, as expansion of the gas at altitude can dangerously raise eye pressure. You must maintain prescribed head positioning. Eye drops (antibiotic, steroid, and dilating drops) are required for several weeks. Physical activity is restricted — no heavy lifting, bending, or strenuous activities for 2–4 weeks. Most patients resume desk work within 1–2 weeks. Full visual recovery and stabilization can take 3–6 months. Dr. Dibya Prabha provides a detailed, personalized recovery timeline during your pre-operative and post-operative consultations.
What is the cost of vitrectomy surgery in Palamu?
The cost of vitrectomy at Palamu Neuro & Eye Care, Palamu depends on the complexity of the case, the instruments and tamponade agent used, and whether additional procedures (membrane peeling, laser, silicone oil) are performed. Dr. Dibya Prabha provides a detailed cost breakdown during your pre-operative consultation. The clinic maintains transparent pricing with no hidden charges, ensuring patients from Palamu, all districts of Jharkhand, and neighboring states have access to affordable, high-quality retina surgery.