Journal of Clinical Medicine
Anatomical and Functional Outcomes of Internal Limiting Membrane Flap-Assisted Removal of Retained Subretinal Perfluorocarbon Liquid: A Case Series of Three Patients
By Sławomir Cisiecki, Nela Poznańska, Joanna Bogatko and 2 others.
Abstract
Background
Retained subretinal perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) is a potentially vision-threatening complication of retinal detachment surgery. No standardized surgical approach exists. This study describes an internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap-assisted removal technique.
Methods
Three symptomatic patients underwent 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for retained subretinal PFCL, subfoveal in one eye and parafoveal in two. A temporally hinged ILM flap was reflected and stabilized with an intravitreal PFCL bubble, and 39-gauge cannulas were used for focal transretinal puncture and subsequent aspiration of the retained PFCL. The flap was repositioned using a new PFCL bubble, followed by fluid–air exchange. Outcomes were assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and patient-reported visual symptoms over 8–33 months.