Giant retinal tears after prior pars plana vitrectomy: management strategies and outcomes

PURPOSE To evaluate management strategies and outcomes for patients with giant retinal tear (GRT)-associated retinal detachment (RD) that had undergone previous pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). METHODS A noncomparative consecutive case series between January 2005 and July 2010. Patients with a preceding history of PPV undergoing retinal reattachment surgery for GRTs were identified. RESULTS Using International Classification of Diseases 9 codes for GRTs, 227 cases were identified. A total of eight eyes in eight patients were identified as having had preceding PPV for non-RD-related pathology. The mean age was 45.5 (range of 10-79) years. The mean time between PPV and diagnosis of GRT was 2.4 months. The mean follow-up after RD surgery was 24.3 months. Presenting visual acuity was 20/400 or better in four of eight patients (50%). All patients underwent repeat PPV with either gas or oil tamponade. A scleral buckling procedure was performed in seven patients (88%). Perfluorocarbon liquid was used during reattachment surgery in four patients (50%). Although anatomic success was achieved in all patients, visual acuity at last follow-up was 20/400 or better in 6 patients (75%). CONCLUSION GRTs are an uncommon complication of PPV. The majority of patients underwent repeat PPV, scleral buckling procedure, perfluorocarbon liquid use and silicone-oil tamponade. Patients presenting with GRT-associated RD after PPV undergoing additional surgery achieved high rates of anatomic success, but visual outcomes were variable.