Inpatient pneumatic retinopexy involving the use of air injection and laser photocoagulation for uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of inpatient pneumatic retinopexy (PR) using pure air intravitreal injection and laser photocoagulation for uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).Methods: Thirty-nine consecutive patients with uncomplicated RRD (39 eyes) were included in this prospective case series study. All patient underwent two-step PR surgery containing pure air intravitreal injection and laser photocoagulation retinopexy during hospitalization. The main outcomes were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and primary anatomic success rates after PR treatment.Results: The mean follow-up was 18.3 ± 9.7 months, ranging from 6 to 37 months. The primary anatomic success rate was 89.7% (35/39) after PR treatment. The final reattachment of the retina was achieved in 100% of cases. Macular epiretinal membrane was developed in two patients (5.7%) among PR successful cases during the follow-up. The mean logMAR BCVA values was significantly improved from 0.94 ± 0.69 before surgery to 0.39 ± 0.41 after surgery. The average central retinal thickness significantly thinner in the RRD eyes of macular-off patients (206.8 ± 56.13 μm) when compared with the fellow eyes (234.6 ± 48.4 μm) at the last follow-up (P = 0.005).Conclusion: Inpatient PR procedure with pure air injection and laser photocoagulation is a safe and effective approach to treat patients with uncomplicated RRD, who may achieve a high single-operation success rate and good visual acuity recovery.