Pars Plana Vitrectomy without Long-Acting Gas Tamponade for Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Abstract

Purpose: To report the anatomical and visual results of primary pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) without long-acting gas tamponade to repair primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs). Methods: Twenty-seven consecutive patients (27 eyes) with peripheral retinal tears and new RRDs were treated according to the surgical protocol. Patients underwent PPV with fluid-air exchange and endolaser treatment to repair the RRD. Neither long-acting gas nor silicone oil tamponade was combined with PPV. All patients were followed from 6 to 26 months with an average follow-up of 11 months. Reattachment of the retina and visual outcome were compared to the results of previously published studies. Results: Reattachment was achieved in 24 of 27 eyes (89%) with a single operation, and in all 27 (100%) eyes, the retina was ultimately reattached with subsequent operations. The median initial visual acuity was 0.4, and the median final visual acuity was 1.0. Conclusions: Primary PPV with fluid-air exchange alone and laser treatment is a safe, effective method for the repair of primary retinal detachments. The anatomical reattachment rate and the visual acuity obtained with this technique appear to be at least as good as those reported in the literature for primary PPV combined with long-acting gas tamponade.