The use of perfluorodecalin in diabetic vitrectomy.

Nine patients were operated on for severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy using a perfluorocarbon liquid, purified perfluorodecalin; 7 patients were operated on for traction-rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, 2 for severe fibrovascular proliferation complicated intraoperatively by iatrogenic holes with surrounding retinal detachment. The intraoperative use of perfluorodecalin allowed flattening of the retina and endophotocoagulation to be carried out easily. Perfluorodecalin was removed at the end of the procedure, and intraocular tamponade was provided by silicone oil in 5 eyes and by a long-acting gas in 4 eyes. Anatomic success was obtained in 8/9 cases with a minimum follow-up of six months; 4 eyes had improved vision, 2 had the same vision, and 3 had decreased vision. The main advantage of intraoperative use of perfluordecalin is to allow easy flattening of the retina and effective endophotocoagulation under optimal visual conditions.