Results of surgical treatment of retinopathy of prematurity in 2018-2021

Purpose: to analyze the results of laser treatment of children with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Material and Methods. Surgical laser treatment of 32 children (61 eyes) with threshold stages of ROP was carried out on an Iridex 532 nm laser device using a Skepens head-on binocular ophthalmoscope. Preoperative preparation fortranspupillary laser coagulation of the retina (TPLC) included examination by a pediatrician and anesthesiologist, instillation of means for pupil dilation, and connection of vital functions monitoring sensors. Endotracheal anesthesia was used. Parameters of coagulation were selected individually: power from 150 to 200 mW, exposure time 0.1-0.3 second. The number of coagulates depended on the area of the avascular zones: from 480 to 1100 (per eye). Results. Evaluation of the results of TPLC was carried out 7 days after the operation. Signs of ROP regression were noted during the first postoperative examination in 20 children (34 eyes). Additional laser treatment was required for 8 children (13 eyes). When examined 7 days after the last TPLC for the entire analyzing period, only 4 children (5 eyes) needed vitreoretinal surgery due to the progression of ROP, increased vitreoretinal proliferation, onset of retinal detachment due to the presence of ROP stages 4a and 4b. Conclusion. During the study period, 76 operations were performed. Laser coagulation is the only treatment for active progressive ROP.