Kezban BULUT, Dilber ÇELİK YAPRAK, Yusuf Can AYDIN, Güzide AKÇAY
Journal of Academic Research in Medicine - 2026;16(2):86-90
Objective: This study aims to evaluate the anatomical and visual success rates of primary pneumatic retinopexy (PR) in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and to investigate the factors influencing surgical outcomes. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on patients with RRD treated with primary PR at University of Health Sciences Türkiye, Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital between May 2011 and May 2024. Demographic data, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), lens status, number and location of retinal breaks, macular involvement, gas tamponade type, intraocular pressure, and anatomical success were analyzed. Patients with failed PR underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Results: The study included 32 eyes of 32 patients (19 males, 13 females) with a mean age of 53 years. PR achieved anatomical success in 17 patients (53.1%). Success was significantly higher in macula-on cases (85.7%) compared to macula-off cases (27.8%) (p=0.001). Preoperative BCVA improved significantly postoperatively (1.61 to 1.25 logMAR; p=0.003). PPV performed in 15 patients yielded significant visual improvement (2.14 to 0.93 logMAR; p=0.001). Macular involvement was a negative prognostic factor, while tamponade type and lens status were not statistically significant. Conclusion: PR is a minimally invasive and cost-effective alternative to vitrectomy in selected RRD cases. PR should be considered for patients with superior retinal breaks and no macular involvement.
