REMOVAL OF SUBRETINAL GAS AFTER PNEUMATIC RETINOPEXY UNDER AIR USING EXTERNAL MANIPULATION

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Techniques
• Retinal Surgery

Background:

• Subretinal gas can cause persistent macula-off retinal detachment.
• Buoyancy of subretinal gas can displace the retina anteriorly, complicating surgical access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To illustrate a technique for subretinal gas removal using pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).
• To demonstrate simultaneous air-fluid exchange and scleral depression for gas extrusion.

Main Methods:

• Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) was performed to address subretinal gas causing retinal detachment.
• An air-fluid exchange was initiated to stabilize the retina and subretinal gas.
• Scleral depression was employed to guide the subretinal gas towards the retinal break for aspiration.

Main Results:

• One-year postoperative visual acuity was 20/25 with a normal intraocular pressure and attached retina.
• No intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported.

Conclusions:

• A technique combining partial air-fluid exchange and scleral depression effectively stabilizes and extrudes subretinal gas.
• This maneuver, updated with modern vitrectomy equipment, allows excellent control without requiring a retinotomy.