Perfluorocarbon liquid utilization in primary vitrectomy repair of retinal detachment with multiple breaks.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy in conjunction with intraoperative perfluoro-n-octane (PFO) use as initial treatment of retinal detachment (RD) with multiple breaks located at various distances from the ora serrata.


METHODS
Twenty-two consecutive eyes (15 phakic, 2 aphakic, and 5 pseudophakic) presenting with RD with multiple breaks and tears underwent primary pars plana vitrectomy, PFO retinal reattachment, transcleral cryopexy or endolaser treatment of breaks, PFO/air exchange, and final injection of 18% perfluoropropane (C3F8). Scleral buckles were not used. The mean follow-up period was 29 months.


RESULTS
Temporary PFO utilization attached the posterior retina and facilitated the safe removal of vitreous at its base and around the retinal tears. Intraoperative complications included new breaks (3 eyes), enlargement of breaks (2 eyes), and a small bubble of subretinal PFO (1 eye). Postoperatively, the retina remained attached during follow-up in 19 eyes. Cataract developed or progressed in 13 phakic eyes.


CONCLUSIONS
Pars plana vitrectomy in conjunction with intraoperative PFO utilization is effective as initial treatment of RDs with multiple breaks. The main limitation of this technique is the postoperative progressive cataract formation in phakic eyes.
Department of Ophthalmology, Aristotle University, Interbalkan Medical Center, Thessaloniki, Greece. pbrazitikos@hotmail.com
Periklis D
PD
Brazitikos
Sofia
S
Androudi
Donald J
DJ
D'Amico
Nick
N
Papadopoulos
Stavros A
SA
Dimitrakos
Dimitrios L
DL
Dereklis
Alexandros
A
Alexandridis
Symeon
S
Lake
Nikolaos Tr
NT
Stangos
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003452:Cryosurgery; D005260:Female; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000601:surgery*; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000601:surgery*; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000379:methods*
D005466:Fluorocarbons; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; C073608:perfluorooctane; C042852:perflutren