AIM: To observe theclinical effect of using triamcinolone acetonide(TA)to recognize posterior vitreous cortex(PVC)and help effective residual vitreous posterior cortex on pars plana vitrectomy(PPV).

METHODS: Thirty-five patients(35 eyes)underwent PPV with TA. An amount of 0.1mL TA solution was injected on the retinal surface to visualize and peel posterior vitreous cortex, epiretinal membranes(ERM)or internal limiting membrane(ILM)in these eyes. Among them, 16 cases were filled with silcon silicon oil and 9 cases were filled with C₂F₆. The follow-up time was for 6-12mo.

RESULTS: In 35 cases,intraoperative staining with TA consistently improved direct visualization and delineation of the posterior hyaloids, ERM or ILM and facilitated their removal. Among them, vitreous posterior cortex left in 13 cases and PVD was found in 19 cases. Postoperatively, macular hole closure rate reached at 100%, and retina reposition rate was 84.6%.

CONCLUSION: The good visibilityof TA formed during surgery is effective in recognizing residual vitreous posterior cortex, reducing the mechanical trauma to the retina, and improving operation success rate. And no serious complication related to TA was found in the study.