Pneumatic retinopexy. A collaborative report of the first 100 cases

The preliminary experience of one surgeon, using pneumatic retinopexy for 20 consecutive cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, was previously reported. The collaborative experience of six surgeons using pneumatic retinopexy for 100 cases is now reported. This series includes cases with pseudophakia, aphakia, macular detachment, macular breaks, vitreous hemorrhage, trauma, and old detachments. Initially, 91% were reattached, but seven recurrences yielded a 6-month follow-up cure rate of 84% with pneumatic retinopexy. With subsequent scleral buckling, 98% were reattached. Postoperative complications included proliferative vitreoretinopathy (3%), macular pucker (3%), and new/missed retinal breaks (7%). A review of the literature disclosed postoperative new/missed retinal breaks in nine series: 21, 3, 8, 4, 9, 7, 5, 4, and 13%. There were no cases of glaucoma, cataract, subretinal gas, endophthalmitis, or extension of the detachment into a previously attached macula. Pneumatic retinopexy offers the advantages of reduced tissue trauma, fewer complications, no hospitalization, and less expense. The major disadvantage is the need for postoperative positioning.