Medium-term tamponade with vitrectomy and perfluorodecalin for the management of complex retinal detachments

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the clinical presentation, anatomical and visual outcome of a series of patients in our department with complex retinal detachments, managed with vitrectomy and perfluorodecalin (PFD) for medium-term tamponade. Study design: Retrospective case series. Methods: Retrospective analysis of the medical records of all patients in the last 6 years presenting with complex retinal detachment managed with vitrectomy where PFD was used as a medium-term tamponade. Results: A total of 85 eyes in 85 patients were included in the study, with a mean follow-up period of 16.0 ± 2.67 months (range 3–59). About 26 detachments presented with associated PVR-C, and 10 had giant retinal tears. The location of the retinal detachment was inferior in 40% of cases, and total in 18.9% of cases. Anatomical success, defined as retinal reattachment at 12 months, was achieved in 98.8% of cases, and there was a mean improvement in BCVA of logMAR 0.64 ± 0.20, which was statistically significant ( p < 0.001, paired t-test 6.23). Of the 41 phakic eyes included in the study, 20 underwent cataract surgery within the follow-up period. Conclusion: In this case series, we have demonstrated a 98.8% anatomical success and significant improvement in BCVA, with no reports of retinal toxicity. Medium-term tamponade PFD appears to be an efficacious and safe technique for management of a variety of complex retinal detachments, including those secondary to GRT, the presence of PVR-C, inferior location, tractional, traumatic, and re-detachments.