During pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for tractional retinal detachment secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy, the tamponade agent of choice when inferior breaks are involved is:

• A Perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) left permanently
• B Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) gas
• C Silicone oil (1000 centistoke) ✓
• D Air tamponade for 1 week

Explanation

For inferior retinal breaks or when breaks are present in multiple quadrants (common in PDR tractional RD), silicone oil is preferred as a long-term tamponade because it provides sustained inferior support and allows early mobility without strict posturing, unlike gases. PFCL is used intraoperatively and must be removed; it cannot be left permanently. SF6 and air are short-acting and insufficient for complex inferior breaks.

Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.