Peripheral Vitrectomy Under Air for Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment in Pseudophakic Eyes

Abstract

To evaluate safety, efficacy and surgical technique of peripheral vitrectomy under air for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in pseudophakic patients. Patients and Methods: 47 consecutives retrospective observational cases were enrolled. All the patients had undergone a peripheral vitrectomy under air without scleral indentation by a single surgeon. At the end of the surgery a 360° peripheral photocoagulation was performed. No scleral buckling was done. Outcomes included were: peripheral iatrogenic retinal breaks during peripheral vitrectomy, surgical technique (specific settings for this approach) and retinal reattachment. Results: Only in one case there was an intraoperative iatrogenic break. Higher intraocular pressure, fewer cuts and higher vacuum were found the most efficient settings for peripheral vitrectomy under air respect to fluid. All the cases were reattached after the first surgery with a follow up of 12 months. Conclusions: Performing peripheral vitrectomy under air in pseudophakic retinal detachment is a safe and efficient technique with some benefits but it requires an understanding of the fluidic dynamics and a change of configuration from the usual settings for peripheral vitrectomy under fluid.