PURPOSE: We have analysed the results of 48 consecutive cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment treated with pneumatic retinopexy in a long term follow-up study. RESULTS: Thirty six of the original 48 patients were available to follow-up. We had an average follow-up period of 8.1 years and a 75% 7 year follow-up. Single operation success was achieved in 83% of patients. Redetachment occurred in 3 patients at 11, 30 and 33 months. Complications found included new breaks in 14%,, cystoid macular oedema in 8%,, and proliferative vitreoretinopathy in 3% of patients. No previously unreported complications were found in spite of the long follow-up time. Final anatomic success (after 1 or more operations) at 6 months post operatively was found in 97% of patients. At follow-up we found final anatomic success in all patients. CONCLUSION: The use of pneumatic retinopexy instead of scleral buckling is discussed. We recommend the consideration of pneumatic retinopexy in uncomplicated selected cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.
PURPOSE: We have analysed the results of 48 consecutive cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment treated with pneumatic retinopexy in a long term follow-up study. RESULTS: Thirty six of the original 48 patients were available to follow-up. We had an average follow-up period of 8.1 years and a 75% 7 year follow-up. Single operation success was achieved in 83% of patients. Redetachment occurred in 3 patients at 11, 30 and 33 months. Complications found included new breaks in 14%,, cystoid macular oedema in 8%,, and proliferative vitreoretinopathy in 3% of patients. No previously unreported complications were found in spite of the long follow-up time. Final anatomic success (after 1 or more operations) at 6 months post operatively was found in 97% of patients. At follow-up we found final anatomic success in all patients. CONCLUSION: The use of pneumatic retinopexy instead of scleral buckling is discussed. We recommend the consideration of pneumatic retinopexy in uncomplicated selected cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.