Vitrectomy cryo gas for the treatment of pseudophakic retinal detachment

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Abstract Purpose The management of pseudophakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (PsRD) has represented a challenge for vitreoretinal surgeons for many years. Different surgical techniques have been used to manage PsRD including pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckling (SB) and primary pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with or without SB. Recent advances in the vitrectomy technique and instrumentation have contributed to the expanding role of PPV as a first‐line surgical treatment in cases of PsRD. Methods A potential advantage of PPV is removal of posterior capsular and vitreous opacities for better visualisation of the peripheral retina and the use of wide‐angle viewing systems and microscopic inspection of the fundus periphery with internal illumination and scleral identation during PPV. This allows for an accurate diagnosis of retinal breaks, their prompt treatment and thus high initial anatomical success. Results A meta‐analysis of published studies suggested that PPV with or without SB is more likely to achieve favorable anatomical and visual outcomes than conventional scleral buckling alone in uncomplicated PsRD. Recently published prospective or randomized clinical trials also found that primary PPV alone is at least as effective as scleral buckling for the treatment of PsRD. The Scleral Buckling versus Primary Vitrectomy in Rhematogenous Retinal Detachment study, found no difference in visual acuity between PPV and SB alone in pseudophakic eyes, but anatomic outcomes were better in the PPV group. Conclusion Primary vitrectomy without scleral buckling provides a high anatomic success rate in eyes with PsRD and is associated with few complications.