TREATMENT OF SUBRETINAL PERFLUOROCARBON LIQUID BUBBLES COMPLICATING RETINAL DETACHMENT SURGERY USING AIR FOR DRAINAGE

PURPOSE: The authors describe an original technique for treating multiple subretinal perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) bubbles complicating previous surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. METHODS: To facilitate the induction of macular redetachment and peripheral displacement of the PFCL bubbles, we performed the subretinal injection of filtered air in addition to balanced salt solution. In this setting, the action of the PFCL in the vitreous cavity, combined with globe manipulation, allowed bubbles' displacement and full aspiration. RESULTS: A 57-year-old man had a history of repeated pars plana vitrectomies for recalcitrant rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, the latter leading to multiple subretinal PFCL bubbles retained at the posterior pole. The described technique was performed 8 weeks after the last pars plana vitrectomy. A complete flattening of the macular region was obtained with visual improvement. CONCLUSION: Direct injection of air into the subretinal space may represent an effective strategy to help the surgical management of multiple retained PFCL bubbles.