A novel technique for removal of inadvertent subretinal perfluorocarbon liquid after complex retinal detachment surgery.

摘要

Perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) is commonly used in the surgical management of complicated retinal detachments. Intraoperative subretinal PFCL migration may occur and its incidence has been reported to range from 0.9%3 to 11.1%. Several laboratory studies have shown that PFCL may exert toxic effects on the retina, while clinical reports have shown that retained subretinal PFCL can cause retinal pigment epithelial atrophy, retinal hole formation, and scotomata. Consequently, removal of subretinal PFCL is advisable. However, direct aspiration of the retained subretinal PFCL can lead to several complications, including subretinal haemorrhage, pigment epithelium damage, subretinal proliferation, and fibrosis and nerve fibre layer damage. Recently, a technique of successful PFCL displacement was described that included an iatrogenic transient retinal detachment followed by postoperative head positioning. We present a case of successful removal of subretinal PFCL solely by post-operative head positioning, which may-in selected cases-be a safe and effective alternative to direct transretinal aspiration.