25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with medium-term postoperative perfluoro-n-octane for the repair of giant retinal tears.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the treatment of giant retinal tears (GRTs) with 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and medium-term postoperative perfluoro-n-octane (MT-PFO). The study was a retrospective interventional case series of consecutive patients with GRTs treated with 25-gauge PPV and postoperative MT-PFO for a period of 2-3weeks. A second, staged procedure was performed in all patients for PFO removal. Twenty-three eyes of 22 patients were studied, with a mean follow-up of 33.04 ± 19.74months. Successful reattachment was achieved in 91.3% of eyes (21/23) after MT-PFO. Retinal re-detachment occurred in five eyes, which was caused by proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Additional complications included cataract progression (n = 10), foreign body response (30.4%, 7/23), and transient intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation (8/23, 34.8%). Transient IOP elevation was associated with worse visual outcome (p = 0.01). MT-PFO was found to be an effective and safe technique for operative management of GRTs. In the majority of patients, retinas remained attached without further surgical intervention. Cataract progression, intraocular inflammation, and associated increased intraocular pressure are potential complications of MT-PFO.