Primary vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated with choroidal detachment

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to report the success rate of primary vitrectomy, scleral buckling, and oral steroids in eyes with combined rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and choroidal detachment (CD) and to compare these results with those reported in the literature for similar cases managed by scleral buckling alone. DESIGN: Consecutive case series. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one eyes of 21 consecutive patients with primary RRD associated with CD were examined. INTERVENTION: All patients were treated with systemic corticosteroids before surgery. Pars plana vitrectomy with scleral buckling or encircling or both were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Retinal reattachment rate and resolution of choroidal detachment were measured. RESULTS: At mean follow-up of 11.4 months, retinal reattachment was attained in 19 eyes (90.5%) compared to less than 53% reported in the literature for scleral buckling alone. With preoperative oral steroids, choroidal detachment regressed completely in 13 eyes (61.9%). In the remaining eyes with persistent choroidal detachment, suprachoroidal fluid was drained during vitrectomy. CONCLUSION: Aggressive treatment with oral steroids followed by pars plana vitrectomy and scleral buckling or encircling is recommended instead of scleral buckling alone in the management of combined primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and choroidal detachment.