25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy and C3F8 gas for the repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with inferior breaks

Abstract

Objective To compare anatomical, functional outcomes and complications of 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy(PPV) and perfluoropropane(C3F8) gas as tamponade between rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD) with superior breaks and inferior breaks. Methods Fifty-three patients (53 eyes)affected with RRD were recruited. The eyes were divided into two groups. Group A (21 eyes) consisted of patients with inferior breaks(4~8 o’clock hours). Group B (32eyes) consisted of patients with superior breaks(8~4 o’clock hours). All the patients underwent a 25-gaugae PPV with 12% C3F8 gas tamponade, and examined with best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), intraocular pressure, slit-lamp, indirect fundoscopy and color fundus photography at baseline and each month of post-operation. The mean follow-up time was 18.4months (ranged 13~28 months). The primary anatomic success rate, postoperative BCVA, and complications were compared. Results The primary anatomic success rate was 85.7% for the Group A and 87.5% for the Group B(P >0.05) during the 12-month period of post-operation. In group A, the mean BCVA was improved significantly at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months’ post-operation compared with baseline(F =2.481,P 0.05). No statistical difference was found in complications between the two groups(P >0.05). Conclusions 25-gauge PPV and C3F8 gas as tamponade is an effective and safe treatment method for RRD with inferior breaks. No differences in anatomical success rates are observed between RRD with superior breaks and inferior breaks. Key words: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment; 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy; Inferior breaks; Efficacy