Pneumatic Retinopexy

Wichai Prasartritha*,
Pornchai Simaroj*
Tiam Lawtiantong*
*Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital

  Abstract Sixteen cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were treated by pneumatic retinopexy, using transconjunctival cryoretinopexy and sulfurhexafluoride (SF6) gas for intravitreal injection and postoperative positioning. This series included cases of retinal detachments with one or more breaks within one clock hour of the superior retina from 8 to 4 o'clock without signs of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

Retinal reattachments were initially achieved in 12 cases (75%). There were three recurrences that were reattached by scleral bucking with or without vitrectomy. The final reattachments with an average of 6.2 months follow-up were 15 cases (94%). Average amount of SF6 gas was 0.58 ml per case and 8.7 days for hospitalization.

No serious complications were observed. Other complications were one of each of the followings : mild reversible posterior subcapsular cataract, missed break, macular pucker, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and increased intraocular pressure.

Thai J Ophthalmol 1989; June 3 (1): 13-16