Pneumatic retinopexy for primary repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments.

Abstract

To evaluate anatomical and functional outcomes of pneumatic retinopexy (PR) for primary repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments and to determine demographic and ocular risk factors for failure of the procedure. Retrospective interventional case series. A chart review on 97 eyes of 97 consecutive patients who had undergone PR as the initial procedure for unilateral recent primary retinal detachments with causative break(s) in the superior two-third of the retina. After injection of 0.35 mL to 0.60 mL of sulfur hexafluoride, 6 hours face-down positioning, and the steamroller maneuver, the patient's head position was changed so that the gas could efficiently tamponade the retinal break(s). Pre- and post-gas injection laser photocoagulation of break(s) and 360° peripheral retina was applied. Seventy-two male and 25 female patients were included in this study. The single-operation success rate was 82.5%. The pars plana vitrectomy procedure as the second intervention was not adversely affected by the preceding PR. Presence of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (odds ratio: 58.7, 95% confidence interval: 7.8-443.5) and delay between initial symptoms and PR (odds ratio: 1.21 per each additional day, 95% confidence interval: 1.07-1.37) were the only independent predictors for the failure. With proper selection of cases, PR is a good surgical option for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments with acceptable success rate, minimal discomfort to the patient, and minimal surgical risks.