To evaluate the clinical usefulness of additional encircling in patients treated for retinal detachment with giant retinal tear and without proliferative vitreoretinopathy, compared to single vitrectomy using perfluorocarbon liquid.

Patients who underwent surgery for retinal detachment with giant retinal tear were divided into either the vitrectomy alone group or combined vitrectomy and encircling group. We reviewed the primary anatomical success rate, final anatomical success rate and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at the last follow-up (log MAR). Additionally, BCVA at the first visit, intraocular pressure, lens status, history of intraocular surgery, high myopia, trauma history, time from symptom onset to surgery, location and size of the giant retinal tear, extent of retinal detachment and foveal detachment were reviewed.

Among a total of 29 eyes, the vitrectomy alone group included 8 eyes and the combined group 21 eyes. Location and size of the giant retinal tear, extent of retinal detachment and foveal detachment, intraocular pressure, history of intraocular surgery, lens status, high myopia, trauma history and time from symptom onset to surgery were not different between the 2 groups. The primary success rate was 87.5% in the vitrectomy group and 85.7% in the combined group; the final surgery success rate was 100.0% and 95.2%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the anatomical success rate between the 2 groups. The postoperative BCVA was similar in both groups (0.80 vs. 0.92).

When vitrectomy using perfluorocarbon liquid was performed for the treatment of giant retinal tear without proliferative vitreoretinopathy, an encircling provided no additional benefit for the anatomical success rate and visual recovery. Only intensive vitrectomy of peripheral retina was considered capable of achieving a successful retinal attachment in patients without proliferative vitreoretinopathy.