[Relaxing retinopathies and liquid perfluorocarbons]

To assess the long term anatomic and functional follow-up of large relaxing retinotomies performed with liquid perfluorocarbon in severe vitreoretinal proliferation surgery.

A large relaxing retinotomy (more than 90 degrees) was realized in 40 eyes of 39 patients for anterior vitreoretinal proliferation (30 rhegmatogen retinal detachments, 8 intraocular foreign bodies, 2 ocular traumas). Follow-up was always longer than 6 months. Vitreoretinal proliferation secondary to ischemic or inflammatory retinopathy were excluded. The liquid perfluorocarbon was perfluorodecalin and was used for all eyes, as well as final intraocular tamponade by silicon oil ended every intervention.

Sixty-seven % of patients had already had a former vitrectomy, and 75% a retinal surgery. Mean size retinectomy was 170 degrees. Nine patients underwent a new vitreoretinal procedure which included in 7 cases a necessary new retinectomy. Silicon oil could be removed in 55%, after a mean period of 6, 5 months. Mean time follow-up was 13 months. At the end of follow-up, 80% of retina were attached. Visual acuity remained low with 25% equal to 1/20 or more; 45% of eyes increased their acuity, 25% remained stable and 30% worsened. Main complications were epimacular proliferation, keratopathy and increased intraocular pressure.

Relaxing retinotomies provide satisfying anatomic results and allow a preservation of some visual function. The use of liquid perfluorocarbons facilitates their realization. The initial size of retinectomy should be sufficient.