Background and objective: Pneumatic retinopexy is used as a primary procedure for the repair of retinal detachments caused by visible retinal tears. Its application for late-onset recurrent retinal detachments following previous pneumatic retinopexy or scleral buckling procedure has not been reported to date.
Patients and methods: Pneumatic retinopexy was performed in 12 patients with recurrent retinal detachments due to new retinal tears who presented 6 months to 10 years after pneumatic retinopexy (8 patients) or scleral buckling surgery (4 patients). Follow-up ranged from 6 to 24 months.
Results: All the retinas reattached within the first few postoperative days and remained attached throughout follow-up. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. Visual acuity either remained unchanged (if good before) or improved.
Conclusion: Pneumatic retinopexy may be a feasible option for recurrent late-onset retinal detachment under the proper clinical conditions.