Non-buckled vitrectomy for retinal detachment with inferior breaks and proliferative vitreoretinophathy.

Aim: To investigate the efficacy of non-buckled vitrectomy with classical endotamponade agents in the treatment of primary retinal detachment (RD) complicated by inferior breaks and proliferative vitreoretinophathy (PVR).

Methods: A retrospective, consecutive and case series study of 40 patients with inferior break RD and PVR ≥C1 was conducted. All patients underwent a standard 3-port 20-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with gas or silicone oil tamponade without supplementary scleral buckling. The vitreous and all proliferative membrane were completely removed, and retinectomy was performed when necessary. The mean follow-up was 12.5 months. The primary and final anatomic success rate, visual acuity and complications were recorded and analyzed.

Results: Primary anatomic success rate was achieved in 35 of 40 eyes (87.5%) and the final anatomic success rate was 100%. The most common cause of redetachment was recurrent PVR. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at final follow-up was improved in 34 eyes (85%), remained stable in 1 eye (2.5%), and worsened in 5 eyes (12.5%). The mean visual acuity at final follow-up was improved significantly (P=0.000).

Conclusion: This retrospective study provides evidence that vitrectomy without scleral buckling seemed to be an effective treatment for inferior break RD with PVR. With complete removal of vitreous and proliferative membranes and timing of retinectomy, the inferior breaks which complicated with PVR could be closed successfully without additional scleral buckling.