·AIM:To investigate therapeutic effect of vitrectomy and intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide(TA)in surgical removal of idiopathic epimacular membrane.·METHODS:The data of 88 patients 101 eyes with vitrectomy and intravitreal TA with surgical removal of idiopathic epimacular membrane were reviewed and analyzed,among which 51 eyes in treatment group were injected TA and 50 eyes were not injected TA.After undergoing fluid-air-exchange,all the eyes underwent a standard three port pars plana vitrectomy and then 2.5mg TA was injected to stain,and epiretinal membrane was removed after perfusate influxed,28 eyes also were with internal limiting membrane peeling.Postoperative observa-tion was 3-24(average 17)months.The visual acuity,complications of the surgery and foveal structural changes of macula were observed in long period and analyzed its statistic meaning.·RESULTS:After observing the different degree of eyesight in treatment group for three months,the sight of 48(94.1%)eyes were improved,the vision of 2(3.9%)eyes were remained the same as before and that of 1(1.9%)eye decreased.Compared with the other group,improved eyes were 46(92.0%),unchanged eyes were 2(4.0%)and the eyesight of 2(4.0%)eyes dereased.The difference of BCVA of two groups in three months had no statistical significance(t=1.424,P>0.05),whereas the compared difference of six,twelve and twenty-four months was statistically significant(t=4.528;P<0.05).In treatment group,28 eyes with removed of combined retina with inner limiting membrane,and in compared group that was 2 eyes.All epimacular membrane were disap-peared on OCT after surgery and macular edema lessened gradually.There were obvious differences in other complications between two groups in operation and at end of observation(t=6.324;P<0.05).By the way,injecting TA in operation can show the scope of epiretinal membrane of macula more clearly.Especially the remain-ed trifled membrane and under-mature membrane can be better recognized.When necessary,it is especially helpful for doctors who are not so proficient in skills to conduct the second dissecting membrane.Early treatment was good for better acuity,and to refrain from adverse effect or other complications,which improved the success of opera-tion.The difference of eyes pressure in and after operation had no statistical significance(t=1.324,P>0.05).·CONCLUSION:Making good use of the visibility of TA in cutting operation,doctors can recognize the scope of special epiretinal membrane of macula and complement of dissecting clearly.Vitrectomy and intravitreal triam-cinolone with surgical removal of idiopathic epimacular membrane may improve operation safety,success rate,shorten operation time,decrease complications,minimize operation procedures and diminish patients’ fees.·