Our Experience with Perfluorohexyloctane (F 6 H 8 ) as a Temporary Endotamponade in Vitreoretinal Surgery

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the use of F₆H₈ as a temporary endotamponade for complicated and special cases of retinal detachment instead of silicone oil.

Methods

We have used F₆H₈ with 14 patients since February 1999. Eight suffered from rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with multiple tears located inferiorly. Three presented inferior traction retinal detachment (TRD) under silicone oil, two suffered from ocular trauma with inferior TRD, and one had idiopathic macular hole. The substance was introduced into the eye after pars plana vitrectomy and membrane peeling if needed, and we tried to introduce as much as possible.

Results

With F₆H₈ the retina was easily reattached in all cases, like with perfluorocarbon liquids. The postoperative view was very good. F₆H₈ was removed in all cases after 3–8 weeks. Anatomical success was achieved in 12 out of 14 eyes. Two eyes presented severe PVR. F₆H₈ entered the anterior chamber in 4 cases, but no corneal complications occurred. In one case there was a marked IOP rise due to an anterior block, treated with superior iridotomy. In two cases retinal detachment (RD) occurred in the upper part and was treated with additional surgery, F₆H₈ removal and silicone oil injection.

Conclusions

F₆H₈ seems to be a promising tamponade agent for special cases of RD.