Combined versus Sequential Phacoemulsification and Pars Plana Vitrectomy: A Meta-Analysis

Topic: It is unclear whether differences exist in efficacy and safety between combined versus sequentially performed phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy (phaco-PPV).

Clinical relevance: This meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy and incidence of complications between these surgical methods.

Methods: Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched for articles reporting the efficacy and safety of combined versus sequential phaco-PPV for any indication. The primary outcomes were postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and mean absolute refractive error from target (RET). Secondary outcomes included efficacy outcomes and postoperative complications. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model in all cases. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool for randomized trials and ROBINS-I tool for observational studies.

Results: Of the 5410 articles identified, 1 randomized controlled trial and 14 comparative studies were included, with 1407 and 951 eyes in the combined and sequential surgery groups, respectively. Mean age was 62.71 ± 6.16 years and 44% (range, 32.1%-70%) of eyes were from men. The mean baseline BCVA was 0.88 ± 0.59 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution units (Snellen equivalent, 20/152). The meta-analysis showed no significance between groups in postoperative mean BCVA (P = 0.76) and mean absolute RET (P = 0.46). The risks of synechiae formation (risk ratio [RR], 2.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.83-4.11; P < 0.001), fibrin formation (RR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.84-4.30; P < 0.001), and intraoperative or postoperative retinal detachment (RR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.08-6.47; P = 0.03) were significantly higher after combined surgery. However, the risks of posterior capsular tear (RR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.25-0.73; P = 0.002) and macular hole nonclosure or reopening (RR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.03-0.93; P = 0.04) were significantly lower in the combined group.

Discussion: No significant differences were found in visual and refractive outcomes between combined and sequential phaco-PPV, whereas differences existed in certain safety outcomes. These conclusions remain preliminary, as most evidence is derived from low- to moderate-quality retrospective studies. Given the variability in outcome reporting and associated heterogeneity, future randomized controlled trials are needed.