The learning curve of retinal detachment surgery

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To investigate the learning curve of vitreoretinal (VR) surgeons beginning training in retinal detachment (RD) surgery. Methods The files of all consecutive patients undergoing VR surgery for uncomplicated RD between Jan 2005 und Mar 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Successful outcome was defined as no retinal redetachment within 3 months after surgery. Results Ten surgeons started their VR career during this period. Together, these 10 surgeons performed 3786 RD operations (mean 379; median 251; range 71–1053). Primary success rate after one operation was 90% (3420 of 3786). When starting to operate retinal detachments, VR surgeons had a primary success rate of about 80%. Redetachment rates steadily decreased and stabilized at just under 10% after about 200 operations. Beginners needed more than twice the time for the procedure compared to experienced surgeons. The individual learning curves varied widely. In our series, female surgeons seem to have a faster learning curve. Conclusion RD surgery performed by VR surgeons in training had acceptable results. With increasing experience, success rates continuously improve reaching stable levels after approximately 200 operations. The training of VR surgeons requires considerable resources.