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 prior surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). METHODS To facilitate the induction of macular re-detachment and peripheral displacement of the PFCL bubbles, we performed the subretinal injection of filtered air in addition to balanced salt solution (BSS). 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 years old man had a history of repeated PPVs for recalcitrant RRD, the latter leading to multiple subretinal PFCL bubbles retained at the posterior pole. The described technique was performed 8 weeks after last PPV. A complete flattening of the macular region was obtained with visual improvement. CONCLUSIONS Direct injection of air into the subretinal space may represent an effective strategy to help the surgical management of multiple retained PFCL bubbles.