Pneumatic retinopexy. An analysis of intraoperative and postoperative complications

There have been 26 series (1,274 eyes) published on the use of pneumatic retinopexy for selected retinal detachments. Eighty percent were reattached with a single procedure and 98% with reoperations. New retinal breaks occurred in 13% and proliferative vitreoretinopathy in 4%. The three complications reported with pneumatic retinopexy but not with scleral buckling are subretinal gas, gas entrapment at the pars plana, and subconjunctival gas. Twenty-six complications of pneumatic retinopexy, most of which may also occur with scleral buckling, are discussed as to incidence, cause, prevention, and management.