[Long-lasting expansive gases in the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated with vitreoretinal proliferation].

Thirty two eyes of 32 patients affected with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (R.D.) associated with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (P.V.R.) were operated on with combined external and endovitreal microsurgery. Internal tamponade was carried out with SF6 in 16 eyes and C3F8 in 16 eyes. All patients were followed for at least six months after the last surgical procedure. Permanent retinal reattachment was achieved in 56% of the eyes operated on with SF6 and 60% of the eyes operated on with C3F8. Surgical success was achieved with only one operation in those eyes operated on with C3F8. In contrast, 88% of the eyes successfully operated on with SF6, had more than one operation. The overall surgical results, whatever the gas used for internal tamponade, are as follows: surgical success was achieved in 83% of P.V.R. cases grade C1 and C2 (5 cases out of 6), 73% of P.V.R. cases grade C3 and D1 (11 cases out 15), and 20% of P.V.R. cases grade D2 and D3 (2 cases out of 10).