Decalin as a short-term endotamponade in vitrectomy for persistent retinal detachment.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the use of decalin as a short-term endotamponade for the management of severe, persistent retinal detachments. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed nine eyes of nine patients in whom decalin was used as an endotamponade. After two weeks, it was removed and replaced with silicone oil. RESULTS: Retinal reattachment was achieved in all patients despite prior surgical failures. The short-term use of decalin proved safe. No complications related to its use- such as retinal toxicity, subretinal migration, inflammatory reactions, or ocular hypertension - were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Decalin is a valuable intraoperative tool and effective as a short-term endotamponade.