Pneumatic Retinopexy for Early Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the success rate of
pneumatic retinopexy in the patients of early rhegmatogenous retinal
detachment.
Material & Methods: The study was performed at Ophthalmology Department of
Gujranwala Medical College/ Teaching Hospital. All the Patients were admitted
from outpatient department. Retinal examination with confirmation of all retinal
pathology was done by using indirect Ophthalmoscope and three mirror indirect
lens. Topical anesthesia or a retrobulbar block was used for patient comfort.
Laser photocoagulation was applied in attached areas of retina. Intraocular gas
was injected. SF6 was drawn into tuberculin syringe to provide tamponade to the
detached retina. Intraocular pressure was assessed by checking the pulsations
at optic disc and by checking the light perception. Antibiotic steroid ointment was
applied and eye was patched. Postoperatively Argon laser was reinforced close
to the break in all the cases to seal the break. Patients were followed up for six
months. Anatomical reattachment of the retina was our primary outcome.
Results: 15 patients of early rhegmatogenous detachment were included in this
study, 9 were male and 6 were females. All the patients had single retinal break
at superior quadrant. After pneumatic retinopexy 10 patients had attached retina
till their last follow up of six months. The success rate of pneumatic retinopexy
was 66%. Rest of the five patient required further surgery.
Conclusion: In selected cases of early rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
pneumatic retinopexy is an effective and less expensive procedure that avoids
most of the complications that usually occur with other retinal reattachment
procedures.
Key Words: Pancreatic Retinopathy, Retinal Detachment, Intraocular Gas.