Clarification of Answer by
larre-ga
on
03 Jun 2002 17:39 PDT
For further clarification: A vitrectomy is the usual procedure used to
correct macular pucker, also called an epiretinal membrane, and
sometimes called macular cellophaning. There are different types of
vitrectomies performed.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sponsors an online
database with access to some of their statistics. Statistics are
available online only nationally and by state or region. To break them
down by hospital, you'll need to purchase a CD, or individual
databases from HCUP. The National Institutes of Health Sample, the
State Inpatient Databases, as well as the State Ambulatory Patient
Databases are described in detail, in the category labeled HCUP Data
Descriptions at:
http://www.ahrq.gov/data/hcup/
The online stats generator does indicate that the vast majority of
these procedures are performed in teaching hospitals, as named in the
list above, however, the stats available are not linked to a specific
diagnosis, only a diagnosis group and most probable treatment
procedure. Vitrectomy is classified under "Other intraocular
therapeutic procedures".
Teaching Status = Nonteaching Selected Diagnoses with top 5 CCS
Procedures Total Number of Discharges
Retinal detachments, defects, vascular occlusion, and retinopathy
2,347
Repair of retinal tear, detachment 661
Other intraocular therapeutic procedures 517
Destruction of lesion of retina and choroid *
Diagnostic ultrasound of heart (echocardiogram) *
Cerebral arteriogram *
Teaching Status = Teaching Selected Diagnoses with top 5 CCS
Procedures Total Number of Discharges
Retinal detachments, defects, vascular occlusion, and retinopathy
8,809
Repair of retinal tear, detachment 4,070
Other intraocular therapeutic procedures 2,680
Destruction of lesion of retina and choroid *
Diagnostic ultrasound of heart (echocardiogram) *
Cerebral arteriogram *
http://hcup.ahrq.gov/
Publicly available statistics are published in aggregate form. I
suggest that the fastest way of obtaining the exact figures that
relate directly to the condition and the corrective procedure, would
be to contact the appropriate departments at the institutions you are
considering. They'll be able to provide you with the most current
statistics about the number of procedures performed by their
physicians or in their hospitals. I'm not able to locate an online
listing of surgeons who perform the procedure and their rankings.
Individual physician records are kept by the certifying board, in this
case, the American Board of Ophthalmology.
http://www.abop.org/
The Vitreous Society is a sub-specialty professional organization,
created in 1983 to promote the exchange of scientific information and
new ideas among doctors specializing in diseases of the retina and
vitreous. You'll find a listing of member specialists by selecting
the Doctor's Directory link at:
http://www.vitreoussociety.org/patient/frame.htm
The Ophthalmology Times offers a listing of recent articles related to
vitrectomy:
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/PI/search.jhtml?type=all&magR=m0VEY&key=vitrectomy
The eye hospitals listed are ranked in order. Wilmer Eye Institute has
been selected by board certified ophthalmologists as the most
prestigious institution in the U.S. The Wilmer Eye Institute, as well
as the additional institutions listed are those which the national
survey organization found to be excellent. If geographic
considerations are also important, you can single out regional
hospitals of choice. Specific links of interest to Wilmer Eye
Institute include:
Why Wilmer is Exceptional:
http://www.wilmer.jhu.edu/exceptional/EXCEPTIO.HTM
Access to the Latest Treatment and Research:
http://www.wilmer.jhu.edu/exceptional/ACCESSTO.HTM
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Your physician or ophthalmologist may be be the best source of
recommendation and referral. Your ophthalmologist has the knowledge,
background and expertise to provide specific information. Most are
willing to assist you in finding the hospital and surgeon best suited
to your particular needs and wants. Your local medical society may
also be another excellent referral source.
I understand that selecting a surgeon or surgical facility can be a
momentous decision, and that you want to find as much information as
is available. If I can provide further clarification, please ask.
~larre-ga
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