Intraocular application of fibrin glue as an adjunct to pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of intraocular application of fibrin glue to seal the retinal breaks during standard pars plana vitrectomy for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Methods: Twenty-six eyes of 26 rhegmatogenous retinal detachment patients were included in the study. Fibrin glue was used to seal the retinal breaks during standard pars plana vitrectomy in all 26 eyes. Each eye was completely filled with a balanced saline solution at the end of the surgery. The success rate of the reattachment surgery, change in best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and occurrence of intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded and analyzed. Results: All eyes, with a mean age of 45.1 +/- 18.3 years, were treated with pars plana vitrectomy surgery. During pars plana vitrectomy surgery, the fibrin glue showed excellent adherence and compliance to the retina. The glue was no longer visible through ultrasound scan 14.85 +/- 4.56 days after surgery. The retinal breaks were sealed completely, and retina attached in all 26 eyes with no occurrence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment during the follow-up period. The best-corrected visual acuity at 6 months after operation was significantly improved from preoperation best-corrected visual acuity. After operation, two eyes (2/26) developed an epiretinal membrane. Although three eyes (3/26) had a transient increased intraocular pressure during the 1st week after surgery, the intraocular pressure lowered to the normal range after the application of timolol. One eye (1/26) required daily topical antiglaucoma drops to lower the intraocular pressure. No adverse effects of fibrin glue were observed. Conclusion: The fibrin glue provided a superior adhesive effect for sealing retinal breaks, while showing no additional adverse effects. It is a worthy alternative to gas tamponade for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment vitrectomy surgery.