New posteriorly located retinal breaks after pneumatic retinopexy.

Pneumatic retinopexy is a new procedure that is effective in treating many uncomplicated cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD). It may be done in the office using a cryoprobe or laser and an expanding gas bubble and for this reason has become popular among RD surgeons. Reports of associated complications are limited. Three patients who had remarkably posterior retinal breaks after pneumatic retinopexy are presented with evidence that these breaks are a direct complication of this procedure. A possible explanation as to the pathogenesis of pneumatic retinopexy-associated posteriorly located retinal tears, as well as suggestions regarding prophylactic measures that may be taken to avoid this complication, are also presented.