Does the Method of Delivery Influence the Recurrence of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment?

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the method of delivery has an effect on the incidence rate of recurrent rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in women who have been previously treated surgically for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

In this retrospective cohort study, data were collected from computerized files on Rabin Medical Center and Clallit Health Services databases, to create the study group: Women who were surgically treated due to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and who had given birth after their ocular surgery. A primary list of women aged 18-43 who underwent Pars Plana Vitrectomy or Scleral Buckling between the years 2005-2018 was obtained from the Rabin Medical Center Surgical database. The study protocol was approved by the institutional Helsinki Committee at Rabin Medical Center (0417-18-RMC).

The main outcome compared was the incidence rate of recurrent rhegmatogenous retinal detachment following childbirth for every type of delivery; vaginal, assisted delivery, and cesarean section.

Fourteen women had given birth after their ocular surgery, and all underwent Scleral Buckling. Ten of the women had a normal vaginal delivery, 3 women underwent a cesarean section and one woman had a vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery. No case of recurrent retinal detachment was documented.

We conclude from this study that the method of delivery does not have an influence on the recurrence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, thus vaginal delivery is not contraindicated in women with previously treated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.