Which tamponade agent is preferred in inferior retinal detachments involving the inferior vitreous base and is associated with the need for the patient to maintain a face-down posture postoperatively?

• A Perfluoropropane (C3F8) gas ✓
• B Silicone oil (1000 centistoke)
• C Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) gas
• D Perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL)

Explanation

Perfluoropropane (C3F8) is a long-acting expansile gas that provides tamponade for 6–8 weeks, making it suitable for complex retinal detachments including inferior breaks, macular holes, and cases requiring prolonged tamponade. Because gas is buoyant, it rises and cannot tamponade inferior breaks — this is why face-down posturing (or specific head positioning for inferior breaks) is required. Silicone oil is used when prolonged tamponade is needed without posturing constraints (e.g., patients unable to posture, complex inferior detachments requiring longer support), but it requires a second surgery for removal.

Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.