Preoperative Evaluation, Informed Consent and Postoperative Care in Pediatric Vitreoretinal Surgery

In childhood, vitreoretinal surgery may be required due to trauma and some congenital or developmental disorders. Pediatric vitreoretinal surgery differs from that of adults in terms of etiology, anatomical and surgical characteristics, response to treatment and follow-up. This process has many challenges that require patient follow-up over many years as the child develops. Pre-operative preparation according to the age of the patient and the nature of the pathology will make it easier for the surgeon to manage all the processes. The consent of the child must be obtained in accordance with the child's cognitive abilities, in addition to the informed consent of the family. Despite surgical and technological advances in pediatric vitrectomy, anatomical and functional outcomes are worse than in adults. This article discusses pediatric vitreoretinal surgery in terms of preoperative preparation, informed consent and follow-up.