[Problems in pneumatic retinopexy].

Fifty-four phakic eyes with selected rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (one retinal tear or a circumscribed group of tears in the upper two-thirds of the fundus, no sign of PVR) were treated by pneumatic retinopexy (transconjunctival cryopexy, intraocular gas injection with appropriate postoperative head positioning). After postoperative follow-up of six months or more primary reattachment of the retina was found in 27 patients (50%). In 12 eyes (22%) there was insufficient relief of traction, so that the detachment persisted (seven eyes) or recurred (five eyes). New retinal tears developed in 12 eyes (22%) between three days and six months postoperatively. This was probably due to interaction of the gas bubble with the vitreous base, an incompletely detached posterior vitreous border, or intravitreal condensations. Three eyes (6%) developed PVR. Other complications were vitreous hemorrhage (one eye) and subretinal gas bubble (one eye). The higher rate of complications, including the development of new tears, as compared to episcleral buckling procedures is discussed. In the authors's view appropriate experience on the part of the retinal surgeon and a level of intraoperative asepsis adequate for intraocular procedures are of major importance.