Complications of pneumatic retinopexy

Abstract

Pneumatic retinopexy is a retinal reattachment procedure involving transconjunctival injection of gas into the vitreous cavity, combined with cryotherapy or laser retinopexy and followed by postoperative positioning. Although generally a safe procedure, it may be associated with certain adverse outcomes. These most commonly include misplaced gas injection, subretinal gas, vitreous hemorrhage, new retinal breaks, failure to reattach the retina, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and delayed reabsorption of subretinal fluid. Less common problems include endophthalmitis, macular folds, angle-closure glaucoma, and macular hole. In most cases, complications are successfully managed, and a favorable outcome is achieved.