Publication: Outcome of pneumatic retinopexy at a tertiary eye care centre in Nepal
Date
2008
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is one of the commonly encountered retinal problems where timely
treatment could prevent irreversible vision loss. Pneumatic retinopexy (PR) is a simple and minimally invasive procedure
for retinal reattachment.
Aim: This study aimed to assess the outcome of pneumatic retinopexy in primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
at our facility.
Study design: This was a retrospective- prospective, interventional case series.
Materials and methods: All subjects with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment who underwent pneumatic retinopexy at
Tilganga Eye Centre of Nepal from January 2002 to June 2007 were included in this study.
Results: A total of 32 cases were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 55.2 year (SD=11.0). The majority of
cases (62.5%) presented within two weeks of symptoms with blurring of vision in 90% of cases. Pre-operatively, 56.3%
(18) patients had a best corrected distance visual acuity of <6/60. Retinal detachment involving less than two quadrants
consisted of 37.5% (12). A single retinal break was present in 78.1% (25) of cases and 87.5% (28) of the retinal breaks
were located in the superotemporal quadrant. The macula was attached in 37.5% (12) of the cases. Sulfurhexa uoride
and Per uoropropane were used in 68.8% (22) and 31.3% (10) respectively. The average follow up period was 1.02
years (range one month to four years). The retina was completely attached in 81.3% (26) of cases at the last follow up.
The best corrected distance visual acuity of 6/18-6/60 was found in 40.6% (13) of subjects in the last follow up. There
was a transient rise in intraocular pressure in 6.3% (2) of subjects after the procedure.
Conclusion: The anatomical success rate following pneumatic retinopexy is quite high (81.3%) with good visual
recovery and less morbidity translating to higher productivity for the patient. This procedure, being quicker than the
alternatives, will also save surgeon’s time making PR a good choice for managing primary rhegmatogenous retinal
detachment in countries like Nepal where resources are scarce.
Key words: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, retinal break, pneumatic retinopexy, Nepal
Description
Thapa R, Shrestha MK, Gurung R, Ruit S, Paudyal G
Tilganga Eye Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal