Vitrectomy With Short-Term Perfluorocarbon Liquid Tamponade for Retinal Detachment With Inferior Retinal Breaks and Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy

Abstract

Purpose: To assess and compare the results of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with short-term perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) tamponade and combined PPV with scleral buckling to treat rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with inferior retinal breaks complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Methods: The medical records of patients who had vitreoretinal surgery for RRD with inferior retinal breaks complicated by PVR were reviewed. Group 1 had PPV with PFCL, and Group 2 had PPV with scleral buckling. Silicone oil tamponade was used in all cases of PPV with scleral buckling. The anatomic and functional outcomes and duration of surgery were compared between the 2 groups. Results: Group 1 comprised 48 eyes and Group 2, 36 eyes. No statistically significant differences were found in the demographic and baseline clinical characteristics between the groups (P > .05). The mean (±SD) duration of the initial surgery was 42.82 ± 15.25 minutes (range, 25-65) in Group 1 and 81.46 ± 37.48 minutes (range, 45-115) in Group 2. The difference was significant (P < .001). At the end of the follow-up period, recurrent RD occurred in 3 eyes (6.2%) in Group 1 and 2 eyes (5.5%) in Group 2, with no significant difference (P > .05). There was no significant difference between the groups in the mean best-corrected visual acuity or mean intraocular pressure at 6 months (P > .05). Seven eyes (14.5%) in Group 1 had anterior chamber cells and flares after the initial surgery. The inflammation resolved with topical steroid application. Conclusions: The results of PPV with PFCL are similar to those of PPV with scleral buckling for managing RRD with inferior retinal breaks complicated by PVR. Favorable anatomic and functional outcomes are maintained.