Deploying posterior segment surgery service at Eye Hospital

Vitrectomy surgery at Quang Tri Eye Hospital - Photo: HN

The first posterior segment surgery (also known as vitrectomy) at the Eye Hospital for patient Nguyen Huu H. (69 years old) took place on May 21, 2025. The surgical team including Director of the Eye Hospital Bui Thi Van Anh and doctors Hoang My Duyen, Hoang Giang and the patient's family were happy because the surgery was successful. The patient was admitted to the hospital a day before, and was diagnosed by doctors with a prolapsed artificial lens in the right eye into the vitreous chamber, indicating vitrectomy surgery and fixation of the artificial lens.

Previously, all patients in Quang Tri who wanted to have surgery on their posterior segment had to be transferred to a higher level. Every year, Quang Tri Eye Hospital alone transfers 70-100 cases, all of which are serious. Therefore, the first implementation of this surgical service is a shared joy for the doctors and nurses in the hospital as well as the patients' families.

This technique requires an ophthalmologist with in-depth and systematic training in vitreoretinal fluid, along with a modern system of machines for diagnosis and surgery as well as professional coordination of the operating room team. "The Eye Hospital has prepared the conditions to put the posterior segment surgery service into operation to bring the most convenience to patients," said Dr. Hoang Giang - one of the people performing the surgery.

What is vitrectomy?

Vitrectomy is a surgery to remove cloudy vitreous, helping to treat some vitreous retinal diseases. Vitrectomy surgery includes surgical operations from within the vitreous chamber, eliminating the pathological vitreous, replacing it with a physiological saline solution, thereby preventing vision loss or vitreous retinal damage that causes risks such as hemorrhage, retinal detachment...

Posterior segment surgery is a modern and specialized ophthalmic technique in the field of fundus, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases located in the posterior part of the eyeball, including: retina, macula, choroid and optic nerve.

These are important structures that play an essential role in the process of receiving and transmitting light signals from the eye to the brain. When these structures are damaged, if not promptly intervened, vision can be severely impaired or lead to blindness.

Vitreoretinal surgery is often indicated in the following cases: retinal detachment; vitreous hemorrhage (common in diabetic patients); macular hole; epiretinal membrane; penetrating eye injuries affecting the posterior pole; endophthalmitis and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. For people with eyeball atrophy, loss of visual function; people with neovascular glaucoma, this surgery is contraindicated.

Posterior segment diseases have always been one of the most complex diseases in the field of Ophthalmology. In recent years, the disease has appeared with increasing frequency. The disease model in the field of ophthalmology has changed compared to before with the emergence of non-communicable eye diseases that can cause blindness, typically the group of diabetic retinopathy - a non-communicable systemic disease that is appearing more and more in parallel with the development trend of society.

According to Director of Quang Tri Eye Hospital Bui Thi Van Anh, vitreoretinal surgery is an important step forward in the treatment of serious diseases in the posterior segment. Equipped with an OCT retinal tomography machine and a modern posterior segment surgery system, the Eye Hospital has mastered the technique of diagnosing and treating diseases in the posterior segment of the eyeball. "The implementation of this service helps patients benefit from the health system of Quang Tri province in general and from the specialized ophthalmology medical facility in Quang Tri in particular," said Dr. Van Anh.

According to the recommendations of doctors at Quang Tri Eye Hospital, before vitrectomy surgery, patients should pay attention to the following issues: In case of retinal disease, if urgent surgery is not performed, patients should limit strenuous exercise, not fly, and take reasonable rest time.

Patients should eat breakfast normally on the day of surgery, except for blood tests for surgery, in which case they should fast before blood is drawn. Limit alcohol and stimulants before surgery; do not wear eye makeup on the day of surgery.

Avoid wearing pullovers or fur coats. Get enough sleep, prepare mentally and psychologically before surgery. Patients should return to the hospital for a check-up and eye examination 1-3 days after vitrectomy surgery. Or sooner if any abnormal signs are detected after surgery.

Hoai Nam

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/trien-khai-dich-vu-phau-thuat-ban-phan-sau-tai-benh-vien-mat-193844.htm