Reduction of subretinal fluid after preoperative immobilization of the eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.
BACKGROUND
Bullous retinal detachment may be difficult to handle with higher operative complications. Preoperative immobilization of the eyes might reduce subretinal fluid and facilitate surgical procedures. Factors influencing subretinal fluid absorption were analyzed.


METHODS
Twenty-eight eyes with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with preoperative binocular patching and complete bed rest for at least 12 hours were enrolled. Ultrasonography was performed before and after immobilization to estimate the reduction in subretinal fluid.


RESULTS
The amount of reduction diverged in cases with an average of a 17.1% decrease in the maximal height of detachment. Retinal detachments in patients with smaller breaks and without vitreal traction or chronicity showed more significant reduction of subretinal fluid than did those patients with larger breaks and with vitreal traction or chronicity. On the other hand, break shape, height of retinal detachment, age, and gender had no obvious effect on subretinal fluid change.


CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative immobilization of the eyes reduces the subretinal fluid in selected cases, which can decrease operative complications. Break size, vitreal traction, and chronicity are important factors affecting the absorption of subretinal fluid.
Chen
C Y
CY
Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Chen
S N
SN
Lin
S M
SM
Ho
C L
CL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014463:Ultrasonography