Sulfur Hexafluoride 20% versus Lactated Ringer’s Solution for Prevention of Early Postoperative Vitreous Hemorrhage after Diabetic Vitrectomy

PURPOSE To compare the hemostatic effect of sulfur hexafluoride 20% (SF6 20%) with lactated Ringer's solution for prevention of early postoperative vitreous hemorrhage following diabetic vitrectomy. METHODS In a prospective randomized clinical trial, 50 eyes undergoing diabetic vitrectomy were divided into two groups. At the conclusion of surgery, in one group the vitreous cavity was filled with SF6 20% while in the other group lactated Ringer's solution was retained in the vitreous cavity. The two groups were compared for the rate of early postoperative vitreous hemorrhage. RESULTS The incidence of vitreous hemorrhage was lower in the SF6 group than the Ringer's group 4 days (20% vs 68%, P=0.001), 7 days (24% vs 60%, P=0.01) and 4 weeks (16% vs 40%, P=0.059) after vitrectomy. CONCLUSION In comparison with lactated Ringer's solution, SF6 20% had a significant hemostatic effect especially in the early postoperative period after diabetic vitrectomy and reduced the incidence of vitreous hemorrhage.