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. 2017 Sep;31(9):1290-1295.
doi: 10.1038/eye.2017.157. Epub 2017 Aug 11.

Management of giant retinal tears with vitrectomy and perfluorocarbon liquid postoperatively as a short-term tamponade

M A Mikhail  1 , G Mangioris  1 , R M Best  1 , S McGimpsey  1 , W C Chan  1
Affiliations

Management of giant retinal tears with vitrectomy and perfluorocarbon liquid postoperatively as a short-term tamponade

M A Mikhail et al. Eye (Lond). 2017 Sep.

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to study outcomes after using perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) as a short-term postoperative vitreous substitute in eyes with retinal detachment from giant retinal tears (GRTs).Patients and methodsA retrospective consecutive case series of patients with retinal detachment from GRT, who underwent vitrectomy using PFCL as short-term postoperative retinal tamponade. PFCL was left in the eye for a mean of 6.7 days (range 7-8 days) and then replaced with gas or silicone oil (SO). The anatomical and functional outcomes and postoperative complications are reported.ResultsA total of 30 eyes of 29 patients with a follow-up of 26.8 months (range 9-55 months) were included. GRTs had a mean size of 150° (range 90°-270°) with 46.6% of eyes with a tear of >180°. Intraoperative retinal re-attachment was achieved in all cases. No cases of retinal slippage were recorded. Four eyes (13.3%) had re-detachment and further surgery required. At final review, 27 eyes (90.9%) had attached retinas, while the remaining 9.1% had SO in situ. The visual acuity improved in 70% of eyes with 41% improving at least 2 Snellen lines and 35% with visual acuity of 6/12 or better. Mild anterior uveitis developed in six eyes (20%), which resolved on topical steroids. Glaucoma developed in one eye and was controlled medically.ConclusionOur study supports the safety and efficacy of PFCL as a short-term postoperative tamponade in cases of GRTs. As it reduces retinal slippage, the use of SO as a primary tamponade decreased in significant proportion of cases.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Scatter plot of presenting visual acuity and the postoperative visual acuity (Snellen acuities were converted to logMAR).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Fundus pictures taken at day 1 post vitrectomy and tamponade with PFO and day 7 before PFO removal (a and b, respectively), and showing the absence of inflammatory changes.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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