H. Levkovitchverbin et al., PNEUMATIC RETINOPEXY AS SUPPLEMENTAL THERAPY FOR PERSISTENT RETINAL-DETACHMENT AFTER SCLERAL BUCKLING OPERATION, Acta ophthalmologica Scandinavica, 76(3), 1998, pp. 353-355
Purpose: Persistent retinal detachment following scleral buckling may
be caused by persistent open retinal tears with a large amount of subr
etinal fluid, despite proper positioning of the buckle. In this study
we evaluated the effectiveness of supplemental pneumatic retinopexy in
flattening of the detached retina. Methods: During 1990-1994 twelve c
ases of persistent retinal detachment following scleral buckling opera
tion with appropriate position of the buckle, underwent supplemental g
as injection. Results: Reattachment of the retina with complete absorp
tion of the subretinal fluid was observed within 24-48 hours from the
gas injection in all eyes, Three eyes redetached and required addition
al operations. At the end of the follow-up (mean 16 months) the retina
was attached in all eyes, and the visual acuity was 20/120 or better
in 11 eyes, and 20/30 or better in 7 eyes. No complications were obser
ved. Conclusion: Pneumatic retinopexy for persistent retinal detachmen
t, following scleral buckling, is effective in obtaining fast flatteni
ng of the retina and achieving good visual results.