Objective: To evaluate the results of surgery of idiopathic macular holes (IMH) using or not using autologous thrombocyte concentrates (ATC).
Method: Fifty eyes with IMH, stage 2-4, were divided into two groups. Group 1 comprised 27 eyes with an average persistence of complaints of 12 months where pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and tamponade with 16% C3F8 were combined with the use of ATC. Group 2 comprised 23 eyes with a mean duration of complaints of 14 months which were treated by PPV and 16% C3F8 without ATC. In all IMH stage 2 and 3 the posterior vitreous membrane was detached from the retina. The epimacular membrane was removed, if present. The mean follow-up period in group 1 was 17.2 months and in group 2 12.3 months.
Results: In group 1 anatomical success was achieved in 21 eyes (78%), visual acuity improved by two lines and more in 16 eyes (59%). In group 2 anatomical success was recorded in 15 eyes (69%) (p = 0.326) and visual acuity improved in 10 eyes (44%) (p = 0.265). Nine eyes were reoperated with ATC. Reoperations improved the anatomical success in the whole series to 90% and the functional success to 62%. The visual acuity improved in 70% operated eyes within 12 months from the onset of complaints and in 47% eyes with a longer case-history (p = 0.1182). Complications included retinal tears in 5 eyes (10%), detachment of the retina in one eye (2%), minor facete-like defects in the pigmented epithelium in 22 eyes (44%), disciform maculopathy in 5 eyes (10%) and atrophy of the optic disc in 3 eyes (6%).
Conclusions: PPV is beneficial in IMH in the majority of patients. ATC can improve anatomical and functional results. Functional success is more likely after surgery in the early stage of the disease. The results of surgery are jeopardized by various complications. It is important to inform patients on the limitations and risk of surgery.