Vitrectomy for Complicated Retinal Detachment Without the Use of Perfluorocarbon Liquid: A Real-World Data and Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of vitrectomy without using perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) for the treatment of complicated retinal detachment (RD). Methods: The utilisation of PFCL was calculated in four hospitals in 2020 and in one hospital every year from 2012 to 2020. A case series of 320 RD eyes treated with vitrectomy without the use of perfluorocarbon liquid (VWTPL) was followed up for 1–26 months. The rate of retinal reattachment (RR) and postoperative visual acuity (VA, LogMAR) was evaluated. Furthermore, factors influencing RR and VA were analysed. Results: The overall utilisation of PFCL was 43.87% (42.74%, 45.83%, 62.39% and 4.5%). The annual utilisation was 46.94%, 20.43%, 46.73%, 47.41%, 20%, 17.24%, 7.60%, 10.67% and 4.49% from 2012 to 2020. The VA of 320 eyes improved from 1.96 ± 1.07 preoperatively to 1.43 ± 0.92 (LogMAR, p < 0.001) 1 week post-operation. In the follow-up of 1–26 months (median: 9 months), the primary and final RR was 87.37% and 95.56%, respectively. Age, uveitis, recurrent RD, the number of detached retinal quadrants, aPVR and preoperative VA were considered as the factors influencing postoperative VA. Moreover, preoperative VA and preoperative intraocular pressure were the factors influencing RR. Conclusion: The utilisation of PFCL varies amongst hospitals with a highest percentage of 62.39%. VWTPL is safe and effective, thereby saving costs and preventing complications related to PFCL. Trial Registration: ChiCTR-ORC-17014225.