Pneumatic retinopexy: case selection, success rates and complications

Abstract

Since its introduction in 1986, pneumatic retinopexy (PR) has become a highly popular and cost-effective outpatient treatment for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD). The major advantages of PR include reduced tissue trauma, no hospitalization and reduced expense. The major disadvantages are the restrictive selection criteria and the need for postoperative positioning. Single-operation success rates of PR for the primary treatment of rhegmatogenous RD range from 53 to 100% in the worldwide literature, with an average of approximately 80%. After reoperation, PR has a final success rate of approximately 98%. A randomized clinical trial has demonstrated that the anatomical success rate with PR is comparable to scleral buckling and that visual outcomes may be superior with PR. This article will review the literature regarding the results and complications of this procedure, as well as provide an overview of current and future concepts for success with PR in the treatment of rhegmatogenous RD.

Keywords::

• complications
• pneumatic retinopexy
• retinal detachment
• rhegmatogenous
• scleral buckling