[Vitrectomy with circumferential peripheral retinotomy for massive subretinal hemorrhage].

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of vitrectomy with circumferential peripheral retinotomy on massive subretinal hemorrhage. METHOD: Eight patients (8 eyes) with massive subretinal hemorrhage of more than 2 quadrants, underwent pars plana vitrectomy between May 2000 and February 2004. The average age was 73.5 years. Seven patients (7 eyes) were male, and one was female (1 eye). An average of 207.5 degree circumferential peripheral retinotomy was carried out for removal of subretinal hemorrhage. The amount of postoperative subretinal hemorrhage, the improvement of visual acuity, and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Postoperatively, the volume of subretinal hemorrhage decreased in all cases. The visual acuity improved in 7 of the 8 eyes (87.5%). Postoperatively, none of the cases developed proliferative vitreoretinopathy, but subretinal hemorrhage recurred in 2 eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Vitrectomy with circumferential peripheral retinotomy may reduce massive subretinal hemorrhage and increase visual acuity.