Sulfur Hexafluoride 20% versus Lactated Ringer’s Solution for Prevention of Early Postoperative Vitreous Hemorrhage after Diabetic Vitrectomy

PURPOSE: To compare the hemostatic effect of sulfur hexafluoride 20% (SF6 20%) with lactated Ringer’s solution for prevention of early postoperative vitreous hemorrhage following diabetic vitrectomy. METHODS: In a prospective randomized clinical trial, 50 eyes undergoing diabetic vitrectomy were divided into two groups. At the conclusion of surgery, in one group the vitreous cavity was filled with SF6 20% while in the other group lactated Ringer’s solution was retained in the vitreous cavity. The two groups were compared for the rate of early postoperative vitreous hemorrhage. RESULTS: The incidence of vitreous hemorrhage was lower in the SF6 group than the Ringer’s group 4 days (20% vs 68%, P=0.001), 7 days (24% vs 60%, P=0.01) and 4 weeks (16% vs 40%, P=0.059) after vitrectomy. CONCLUSION: In comparison with lactated Ringer’s solution, SF6 20% had a significant hemostatic effect especially in the early postoperative period after diabetic vitrectomy and reduced the incidence of vitreous hemorrhage.