(Pneumatic Retinopexy Versus Scleral Buckling (Clinical And Experimental Study Of Anatomical And Functional Outcomes

Abstract

The present study was conducted to compare pneumatic retinopexy as an alternative probably easier technique with the conventional scleral buckling for repair of primary uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment to determine its efficacy. The study was a unicenter prospective randomized trial comparing the anatomic and functional outcomes as well as the development of complications. The preoperative characteristics were statistically comparable in both groups not to influence the outcomes. The preoperative characteristics expected to affect the outcomes were uniform in all eyes. All eyes were phakic and had macula off detachment.

Thirty patients presenting consecutively with retinal detachment that fulfilled the selection criteria were randomized to have their retinal detachment treated by pneumatic retinopexy or scleral buckling 15 patients in each group. The inclusion criteria were a primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, retinal break(s) located maximally within two clock hours, limited to the upper eight clock hours, and PVR less than grade C. The study compared retinal detachments with these criteria managed by either encircling scleral buckle that permanently relieves the vitreoretinal traction or by pneumatic retinopexy consisting of cryopexy, C3F8 injection, and postoperative positioning. The eyes were followed up for at least six months.