Short-term perfluorocarbon liquid tamponade in choroidal melanoma endoresection

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Oncology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Choroidal melanoma poses a significant challenge in ocular oncology.
• Traditional treatments may have limitations for medium to large tumors.
• Surgical intervention requires careful management to minimize complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of short-term perfluorocarbon liquid (ST-PFCL) tamponade.
• To assess ST-PFCL tamponade as an adjunct to choroidal melanoma endoresection.

Main Methods:

• Choroidal melanoma endoresection was performed on patients ineligible for primary brachytherapy.
• Short-term perfluorocarbon liquid (ST-PFCL) was used for intraoperative tamponade.
• The surgical procedure involved vitrectomy, retinectomy with tumor excision, and subsequent plaque insertion.

Main Results:

• Four patients with medium to large choroidal melanomas underwent the procedure.
• No major intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed.
• Postoperative visual acuity improved significantly, with no evidence of tumor recurrence or metastasis at mean follow-up of 17 months.

Conclusions:

• Short-term perfluorocarbon liquid (ST-PFCL) tamponade is a viable technique in choroidal melanoma endoresection.
• This method may potentially decrease intraoperative and postoperative complications.
• The study suggests a promising approach for managing complex choroidal melanomas.