Intra-silicone Oil Injection of Methotrexate in Retinal Reattachment Surgery for Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy

Purpose: To evaluate the role of intrasilicone oil injection of methotrexate (MTX) at the end of vitrectomy surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) associated with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Methods: In this prospective comparative study, pars plana vitrectomy and retinal reattachment were performed for eyes with RRD with grade C PVR. In the MTX group, 250 mu g MTX was injected into the silicone oil at the end of surgery. The rate of retinal redetachment associated with PVR was assessed. Results: In total, 44 eyes of 44 patients (22 in the MTX group and 22 controls) were included. Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. Retinal redetachment occurred in one eye (4.5%) in the MTX group and five eyes (22.7%) in the control group (p = 0.18). The change in visual acuity was similar between the two groups at final visit (p = 0.15). Conclusion: The rate of redetachment associated with PVR was lower after intrasilicone injection of MTX at the end of vitrectomy for RRD with severe PVR compared to control group; however, the difference was not statistically significant.