Twelve-month analysis of emergency argon laser retinopexy in an Irish tertiary hospital

BackgroundRetinal tears occur as a result of traction at sites of retinal and vitreous adhesion-this allows retrohyaloid fluid into the subretinal space. Prompt management is required to prevent progression to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).AimsTo identify the post-procedural outcomes following treatment of retinal tears with laser retinopexy in an emergency setting.MethodsRetrospective review of all patients who underwent emergency slit-lamp laser retinopexy between January and December 2021 in Cork University Hospital, an Irish tertiary referral centre.ResultsA total of 87 patients were identified-mean age of 60 +/- 12 years and 54% female. Follow-up ranged from 1 week to 11 months. Pre-disposing risk factors were identified-myopia (37%), recent trauma (2%), and RRD family history (5%).All patients had slit-lamp mounted laser-retinopexy performed in the eye-casualty. 63 patients (72%) had a superior break, 66 patients (76%) had a horse-shoe retinal tear, and 21 patients (24%) had a retinal hole. Associated findings included lattice degeneration (26%), sub-retinal fluid (55%), and vitreous haemorrhage (33%).Fourteen patients (16%) required multiple slit-lamp laser retinopexies while 18 patients (21%) required intervention by a vitreo-retinal surgeon including indirect-laser retinopexy (3%), cryotherapy (11%), and pars-plana vitrectomy (6%). At the most recent follow-up, all the patients had anatomically attached retinas.ResultsA total of 87 patients were identified-mean age of 60 +/- 12 years and 54% female. Follow-up ranged from 1 week to 11 months. Pre-disposing risk factors were identified-myopia (37%), recent trauma (2%), and RRD family history (5%).All patients had slit-lamp mounted laser-retinopexy performed in the eye-casualty. 63 patients (72%) had a superior break, 66 patients (76%) had a horse-shoe retinal tear, and 21 patients (24%) had a retinal hole. Associated findings included lattice degeneration (26%), sub-retinal fluid (55%), and vitreous haemorrhage (33%).Fourteen patients (16%) required multiple slit-lamp laser retinopexies while 18 patients (21%) required intervention by a vitreo-retinal surgeon including indirect-laser retinopexy (3%), cryotherapy (11%), and pars-plana vitrectomy (6%). At the most recent follow-up, all the patients had anatomically attached retinas.ResultsA total of 87 patients were identified-mean age of 60 +/- 12 years and 54% female. Follow-up ranged from 1 week to 11 months. Pre-disposing risk factors were identified-myopia (37%), recent trauma (2%), and RRD family history (5%).All patients had slit-lamp mounted laser-retinopexy performed in the eye-casualty. 63 patients (72%) had a superior break, 66 patients (76%) had a horse-shoe retinal tear, and 21 patients (24%) had a retinal hole. Associated findings included lattice degeneration (26%), sub-retinal fluid (55%), and vitreous haemorrhage (33%).Fourteen patients (16%) required multiple slit-lamp laser retinopexies while 18 patients (21%) required intervention by a vitreo-retinal surgeon including indirect-laser retinopexy (3%), cryotherapy (11%), and pars-plana vitrectomy (6%). At the most recent follow-up, all the patients had anatomically attached retinas.ConclusionA notable proportion of patients (21%) undergoing emergency laser retinopexy required further intervention. Patients with anteriorly located retinal tears would benefit from an early discussion with a vitreo-retinal surgeon. Departmental training in laser retinopexy and retinal tear management is recommended as part of ongoing quality improvement.

Automated summary

The post-procedural outcomes of emergency laser retinopexy for retinal tears were investigated. A retrospective review was conducted on all patients who underwent slit-lamp laser retinopexy between January and December 2021 in Cork University Hospital. Out of 87 identified patients, a notable proportion (21%) required further intervention. It was suggested that patients with anteriorly located retinal tears should have early discussions with vitreo-retinal surgeons. Departmental training in laser retinopexy and retinal tear management was recommended for ongoing quality improvement.