Drainage Of Subretinal Fluid Research Articles

Ab-externo drainage with continuous anterior chamber infusion for non-resolving exudative retinal detachment: a case report

BackgroundDrainage of exudative retinal detachment may be necessary for either therapeutic or diagnostic purposes (or both). Here, we describe an external drainage technique for non-resolving vision-threatening exudative retinal detachment which combines the advantages of internal drainage (widefield viewing and intraocular pressure control using continuous anterior chamber infusion) with those of external drainage (drainage of sub-retinal fluid without vitrectomy).Case presentationTo illustrate this technique, we present a 13-year-old girl with macula-off exudative retinal detachment secondary to Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome, which was unresponsive to aggressive medical management. External drainage was undertaken using widefield viewing and chandelier illumination. Intraocular pressure was maintained with an anterior chamber infusion. Near-complete drainage of sub-retinal fluid was achieved, and retinal reattachment was maintained at 6 months postoperatively, with a corresponding improvement in visual acuity from 20/63 to 20/40.ConclusionsExternal drainage under chandelier-assisted viewing at the surgical microscope with anterior chamber infusion offers the ergonomic and optical advantages of the surgical microscope and widefield visualisation, continuous IOP control and drainage of sub-retinal fluid without the need for pars plana vitrectomy.

Posterior Retinotomy vs Perfluorocarbon Liquid to Aid Drainage of Subretinal Fluid During Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repair (PRO Study Report No. 10).

This work compares posterior retinotomy vs perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) for subretinal fluid (SRF) drainage during pars plana vitrectomy for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). In this large, multicenter, retrospective comparative study, 2620 patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy (with or without scleral buckle) for uncomplicated RRD. Patients for whom SRF was drained via the primary break without retinotomy or PFCL were excluded; those who required both retinotomy and PFCL were similarly excluded. Remaining patients were separated into "retinotomy" and "PFCL" cohorts. Subgroup analysis was conducted for macula-on and macula-off subgroups. Postoperative outcomes were analyzed and compared. A total of 760 eyes (82.7%) had retinotomy and 159 eyes (17.3%) had PFCL for drainage of SRF, and baseline characteristics between the 2 groups were similar. Postoperative analysis showed similar outcomes between the retinotomy and PFCL cohorts, including final visual acuity (P = .19), redetachment rate (P = .30), anatomic success (P = .28), presence of postoperative epiretinal membrane (P = .75), and other macular pathologies (P > .99). Subgroup analysis yielded similar outcomes for macula-on and macula-off subgroups. Postoperative presence of retained PFCL was 2.4%, possibly a factor in the slightly higher number of subsequent surgical procedures (P = .03) in the PFCL cohort. Postoperative outcomes for retinotomy vs PFCL during RRD repair are comparable, aside from slightly greater number of subsequent surgical procedures needed in the PFCL cohort. Our analysis suggests both techniques are reasonable tools in the repair of macula-on or macula-off RRD.

Modified Encircling Scleral Buckle Technique Without Subretinal Fluid Drainage or Retinopexy.

IntroductionScleral buckling (SB) tends to be more challenging and time-consuming for compared to the pars plana vitrectomy for repairing rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs). This study characterizes a novel and simplified technique for SB.MethodsIn this single-masked randomized interventional study, patients with RRDs who were eligible for SB were randomly assigned to either the standard (S) or modified (M) technique of SB. In the modified approach, neither intraoperative break localization nor cryopexy or subretinal fluid drainage was done. A large tire (276/279) was placed where preoperative retinal breaks had been localized with a 240 encircling band placed for support of the remaining retina. Patients were followed for 12 months and the primary outcomes were differences between the surgical groups in operative time, anatomical success, visual acuity, and complication rate.ResultsThirty-six eyes were included in the study (18 in each arm). There were no differences in baseline patient demographics or characteristics including gender, age, lens and macular status, preoperative vision, and symptom duration. The mean length of surgery was 72.2 ± 13.2 and 56.2 ± 9.5 min in groups S and M, respectively (P = 0.001). Complete retinal reattachment at the end of month 12 after single surgery was 80.6% overall; 77.8% (14/18) in group S and 83.3% (15/18) in group M (P > 0.999). After 12 months, both groups achieved similar final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA): 0.26 ± 0.23 and 0.23 ± 0.17 logMAR in groups S and M, respectively (P = 0.231). Controlling for preoperative BCVA on ANCOVA testing, there were no significant differences in visual improvement between the two groups [F (1,26) = 0.02, P = 0.966 (95% CI) − 0.128 to 0.123)]. Scleral perforation (2:1), vitreous hemorrhage (3:2), and transient rise of intraocular pressure (3:4) all occurred at a low and similar rate between the two groups (S:M).ConclusionModified SB technique was non-inferior compared to the standard approach for anatomical and visual outcomes. Shortening surgical time while maintaining low complication rates makes this an appropriate approach to SB, especially for vitreoretinal surgery trainees.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s40123-020-00279-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Surgical Management of Advanced Coats Disease in 32 Eyes: A 20-Year Study.

This work studies outcomes of external subretinal fluid (SRF) drainage in management of eyes with advanced Coats disease. Patients with advanced-stage Coats disease (≥stage 3B), who were younger than 12 years and underwent external SRF drainage from 1996 to 2016, were included in this retrospective study. Surgical intervention involved external drainage of SRF and cryotherapy. SRF drainage was performed by lamellar scleral dissection or by external needle drainage. Favorable anatomical outcome was defined as retinal reattachment with normal intraocular pressure (IOP). IOP greater than 24 mm Hg was considered raised. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to measure the association between preoperative or intraoperative factors and retinal status at final follow-up. Outcome measures evaluated included visual acuity, IOP, retinal status, globe status, and complications of surgery. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed for globe salvage without pain. Thirty-two eyes of 32 patients were included in the study. Mean age at surgery was 3.8 ± 3 years. The mean duration of follow-up was 7 years (range, 6 months-15.7 years). Improvement in visual acuity was seen in 5 eyes. Retina was attached at final visit in 6 eyes. IOP in the range of 8 to 24 mm Hg was noted in 16 eyes. Favorable anatomical outcome was achieved in 3 (9%) eyes. Globe salvage was achieved in 84% of eyes. Complications included intraoperative vitreous hemorrhage (n = 1) and postoperative inflammation (n = 1). Kaplan-Meier ocular survival rate without pain at 10 years was 76%. SRF drainage and cryotherapy in eyes with advanced Coats disease favorably alter the natural history of the disease and prevent end-stage complications. Visual outcomes remain poor.

Standardized scleral buckling approach in the management of noncomplex primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

To analyze the anatomical and functional outcomes of a standardized scleral buckling approach in patients with noncomplex primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Retrospective institutional case series of 135 eyes of 131 patients diagnosed with noncomplex primary RRD. All patients underwent scleral buckling surgery with the placement of an encircling 5 mm oval sponge at 15 ± 2 mm posteriorly from the limbus, cryopexy, subretinal fluid drainage, and air tamponade. Final anatomical success at 12 months was achieved in all 135 eyes (100%). Primary anatomical surgical success was obtained in 127 out of 135 eyes (94%), while re-detachment occurred in eight out of 135 cases (6%). Primary anatomical success was significantly lower in pseudophakic eyes (p < 0.001). At the end of the follow-up period, no vision loss was observed in any patient and both sphere and cylinder refraction shift was mild. There was a low rate of postoperative complications. Nine out of 135 eyes (6.6%) developed full thickness macular hole, whether in 24 out of 135 eyes (17.8%) epiretinal membrane development was noticed. A standardized scleral buckling approach for primary noncomplex RRD may be effective. The technique is reproducible, easier, and quicker to perform if compared to classic scleral buckling procedures, suggesting that it may represent a valuable surgical option. Special care is needed in the management of pseudophakic RRD due to higher risk of RRD recurrence.

Pneumatic retinopexy preceded by drainage of subretinal fluid for the treatment of severe bullous retinal detachment.

To compare the efficacy and safety outcomes of scleral buckling (SB) and drainage-injection-pneumoretinopexy (DIP), a modified pneumatic retinopexy technique, in which, before gas injection, subretinal fluid is drained with a simultaneous injection of balanced salt solution (BSS) in the vitreous chamber, for the treatment of severe superior bullous rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (SBRD). This prospective, randomized, comparative study included 58 eyes with severe SBRD that were randomized 1:1 to undergo SB or DIP. The main outcome measures included success rate, visual acuity, mean change in refractive error and surgery duration. The primary anatomic success rate was 93% for both procedures. Both groups showed significantly improved visual acuity after surgery. The change in refractive error and surgery duration was significantly higher in the SB group. Drainage-injection-pneumoretinopexy (DIP) appeared to be less traumatic, but with a longer persistence of subretinal fluid in a greater number of patients. Our findings suggested that both SB and DIP are safe and effective treatments yielding functional and anatomical recovery in patients with severe SBRD. However, the DIP technique may be easier and less costly, with a success rate similar to that of SB.

Management of stage 3B Coats disease: presentation of a combined treatment modality and long-term follow-up

To present a combined treatment modality in the management of stage 3B Coats disease and to evaluate its efficacy in the long-term follow-up. This study was a retrospective review of 29 eyes from 29 consecutive patients who had stage 3B Coats disease with total exudative retinal detachment (ERD). The combined treatment modality consisted of external drainage of subretinal fluid (SRF), followed by endolaser photocoagulation via a nonvitrectomy approach, and intravitreal ranibizumab injection. Final disease status, anatomic success, and final visual acuity were the main outcome measures. The treated eyes initially received one session of external drainage of SRF, followed by an average of 1.4 sessions (range, 1 to 3 sessions) of endolaser photocoagulation and intravitreal ranibizumab injection. With a median follow-up period of 40 months (range, 21-81 months), all eyes demonstrated no disease progression, including 6 eyes that required vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade due to increasing ERD after initial treatment. No enucleation was required. At the final follow-up, anatomic success with retinal reattachment and no active disease was achieved in 24 of 29 eyes (82.8%). Fibrosis was observed in 22 eyes (75.9%) with a mean onset time of 9 months (range, 5-16 months); of these, 3 and 9 eyes developed tractional retinal detachment and epiretinal membrane, respectively. In 62.1% of the eyes, the final visual acuity was only light perception or no light perception. The combined treatment modality presented in this study is an effective way in the management of stage 3B Coats disease with total ERD.

A prospective long-term follow-up study of optic disc pit maculopathy treated with pars plana vitrectomy, drainage of subretinal fluid and peeling of internal limiting membrane.

To describe the long-term results of surgical repair of patients with optic disc pit maculopathy (ODP-M). Prospective, consecutive, noncomparative follow-up study including 12 patients with ODP-M treated by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), peeling of internal limiting membrane followed by gas tamponade. Subretinal fluid (SRF) was drained in 11 eyes through a retinotomy without laser photocoagulation. Preoperatively, macular detachment with retinoschisis was seen in 9 out of 12 eyes with three eyes having only subretinal fluid in the macular area. The median age at surgery was 20 years (range 9-60 years). Follow-up time from initial surgery was 63 months (median). Eight eyes were anatomically reattached after one operation without remaining SRF in the macula. Two patients required a reoperation due to leakage from the retinotomy and another two underwent a second PPV procedure due to late recurrences. Successful healing was at follow-up control observed in 11 of 12 eyes. There was no statistically significant difference in visual acuity between patients before and after surgery (p = 0.24). Central visual field defects with depressed mean deviation were detected in all treated eyes. In this long-term study of ODP-M final outcome regarding healing was relatively efficacious, however, a relatively large proportion had complications associated to retinotomies. We conclude that drainage of SRF should likely be avoided since it appears to contribute little to the resorption rate of SRF and seems to linked to unnecessary risks.

Контролируемое дренирование субретинальной жидкости при экстрасклеральной хирургии первичной регматогенной отслойки сетчатки

«Российская офтальмология онлайн» - электронное информационное издание, создается с 1 марта 2010 года под эгидой Российского общества офтальмологов. Основная задача проекта - научно-информационная поддержка специалистов в области офтальмологии.

Variations in anterior segment vasculature of the eye and their implication in ophthalmologic surgical procedures

ObjectiveAnterior segment ischemia (ASI) is a complication of strabismus surgery and other ocular procedures. The aim of this study is to determine anatomic variability of the vessels involved in the greater arterial circle of iris including short posterior ciliary arteries (SPCA), the long posterior ciliary artery (LPCA) and anterior ciliary arterial (ACA) anastomosis. Understanding these variations may help decrease the incidence of ASI in patients following strabismus surgery and other ophthalmologic procedures.MethodsA total of 126 preserved cadaveric eyeballs from Kansas City University, Nebraska Medical Center, and Creighton University were dissected. The dissection was performed through an anterior approach following removal of the orbital contents. All further dissection was performed, and photographs taken, using a Zeiss Meditech AG dissection scope. Choroid was exposed by making an incision in the sclera 1–2 cm from the limbus, followed by removal of overlying sclera to a point 2–3 cm proximal to the insertion point of the four rectus muscles.Short posterior ciliary arteries were counted as they entered the major arteriolar circle of iris and their locations were mapped in relation to the vertical and horizontal axes. Long posterior ciliary arteries were located, isolated, and cut prior to removal of the choroid. Distances were measured from the penetration point of the LPCA through the sclera in relation to the optic nerve and the vertical and horizontal axes.The number and location of SPCAs that contribute to the major arteriolar circle of iris and LPCAs as they pierce the sclera was determined. Comparisons were also made to determine if there were significant differences between right and left eyes as well as between males and females.ResultsSpecific locations of SPCAs were determined and mapped to identify their contribution to the anterior segment and generate surgical safe zones during various ophthalmologic procedures. The specific location and number of the LPCAs was also determined and mapped to clarify their contribution to the LPCA – ACA anastomosis, highlighting their importance as the sole source of blood flow following incision of the rectus muscles and corresponding anterior ciliary arteries during strabismus surgery. Surgical safe zones were created using the location where LPCA pierces the sclera which can be used to avoid damage to this artery during invasive ophthalmologic procedures.ConclusionsAs far as the investigators are able to determine, this is the first cadaveric study that uses an anterior approach to map SPCAs and LPCAs as they enter the greater arteriolar circle of iris. The findings of the study enabled the investigators to identify a surgical safe zone for invasive ophthalmologic procedures involving the extraocular muscles, sclera, choroid, and retina. This information should be beneficial to physicians performing strabismus surgery, choroidal effusion drainage, placement of ocular devices, subretinal fluid drainage and other procedures near these vessels. These findings should help surgeons avoid anterior segment ischemia, hemorrhage, and other important complications during invasive ophthalmologic procedures.

Overlap Syndrome: A case with features of both Sturge Weber and klippel trenaunay phacomatoses

Background: Sturge Weber and Klippel Trenaunay syndromes are mesodermal phacomatoses occurring sporadically. We report a rare case with overlapping features of both syndromes. Case report: An eight-year-old girl complains of low vision and pain in left eye for nine months. Examination revealed port wine stain on left side of face, fingertips and toes present since birth. Length of both legs was symmetrical with skin hypertrophy. Visual acuity was light perception and lid swelling with hyphema noticed in left eye. BScan showed retinal detachment with choroidal haemangioma. CT scan showed orbital inflammation. The haemangioma was treated with Intravitreal Bevacizumab followed by vitrectomy with subretinal fluid drainage and focal laser. Radiotherapy was given to the left orbit. Conclusion: Nevus flammeus, choroidal haemangioma, retinal detachment and neovascular glaucoma consistent with Sturge Weber syndrome. Soft tissue hypertrophy with dilated veins is compatible with Klippel Trenaunay syndrome.

Endo-Illumination-Aided Scleral Buckling Combined with Intravitreal Injection of Hyaluronate for Treatment of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 25-gauge illumination-aided scleral buckling (SB) combined with hyaluronate injection for the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Methods: Forty-five cases were included in this retrospective study. Twenty-five cases of the treatment group received SB with the aid of endo-illumination and noncontact wide-angle viewing system combined with hyaluronate injection after subretinal fluid drainage, while 20 cases of the control group received conventional SB with binocular indirect ophthalmoscope combined with air injection. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and complications were observed and recorded. Results: The mean operation duration of the treatment group (42.06 ± 16.77 min) was significantly shorter than that of the control group (50.19 ± 21.61 min, p = 0.042). Only 1 case of the control group underwent a second surgery, and the final reattachment ratios of the 2 groups were both 100%. BCVA improved in both the treatment group (from 0.91 ± 0.79 to 0.42 ± 0.58 logMAR, p < 0.001) and the control group (from 0.82 ± 0.70 to 0.41 ± 0.37 logMAR, p = 0.001). The improvements of BCVA of the treatment group and control group were –0.49 ± 0.38 and –0.42 ± 0.46 logMAR, with no significant difference (p = 0.594). There was no significant difference in IOP and complications between the 2 groups. Conclusions: 25-gauge endo-illumination-aided SB combined with hyaluronate injection was safe and effective for RRD.

Risk of perioperative bleeding complications in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery: a retrospective single-center study.

The goal of this study was to analyze the incidence of perioperative bleeding complications in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. The handling of perioperative anticoagulation during vitreoretinal surgery remains controversial, since the risk of bleeding complications by its continuation has to be balanced against the risk of progression of retinal detachment and the risk of thromboembolic events when anticoagulation is interrupted. Nevertheless, only few studies have investigated the risk of perioperative bleeding complications in an emergency such as retinal detachment surgery. We therefore examined the rate of all perioperative hemorrhages and separately the rate of only severe bleedings during vitrectomy, scleral buckling with or without drainage of subretinal fluid (SRD), or combined procedures due to retinal detachment in patients undergoing different types of perioperative anticoagulation including acetylsalicylic acetate (ASA), clopidogrel, heparin, low molecular weight heparin, and phenprocoumon. This retrospective single-center study included 893 patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, n = 192 on anticoagulation and n = 701 serving as control without anticoagulation. Our analysis revealed no significantly increased rate of perioperative hemorrhages under anticoagulation with ASA 100mg (all, 11.4%; severe, 5.0%) or phenprocoumon (all, 11.6%; severe, 2.3%) compared with controls (all, 13.0%; severe, 5.4%). However, frequencies of bleeding complications varied markedly regarding the type of surgical procedure: Scleral buckling plus SRD showed the highest rates of hemorrhages (all, 18.9%; severe, 9.1%) with significant difference (P < 0.001) compared with scleral buckling without SRD (all, 3.8%; severe, 0.6%) and vitrectomy (all, 9.2%; severe, 1.5%), respectively. Furthermore, subretinal bleeding was the most common type of perioperative hemorrhage. The data suggest not to stop ASA therapy prior to vitreoretinal surgery. Furthermore, we found no evidence of an increased risk for perioperative bleedings in patients under anticoagulation with vitamin-k antagonists with an INR within the sub-therapeutic range. SRD during scleral buckling procedure should be avoided as possible and regardless of any type of anticoagulation.

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachments in pediatric population

Aim: It is to review the clinical features, and surgical, and visual outcomes of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in a pediatric population.Material and Methods: Medical records of 31 children aged 16 years old or younger with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were retrospectively analyzed. Cases of acute retinopathy of prematurity were excluded. The data for etiologies, risk factors, prior intraocular surgery, therapeutic approach options, anatomic and functional results were evaluated.Results: Thirty-three eyes of 31 patients with RRD were evaluated. The mean patient age was 11.42±3.82 years (range 3-16). There were 26 (83.9%) males and 5 (16.1%) females. The most common etiology was trauma. At presentation 57.5% of affected eyes (19/33) had a visual acuity worse than 20/400. Preoperative retinal tear was found in 60.6% (20/33) of patients. At initial examination, proliferative vitreoretinopathy was detected in 36.3% (12/33) of patients. The most common primary operation was scleral buckle with subretinal fluid drainage (69.6%, 23/33). Anatomical reattachment was accomplished in 84.8% of cases (28/33). At the final visit, 78.78% of affected eyes (26/33) had a better visual acuity when compared to preoperative examination. In nine of affected eyes (27.27%), visual acuity was 20/200 or better. Mean follow-up time was 37.5 months (range 3-72). Conclusion: In our series, pediatric RRD occurred most commonly in association with trauma. Most eyes were anatomically reattached, and most eyes retained vision of 20/800 or better. Preserving vision in children with RRD is of great importance because of high risk of vision threatening events to the fellow eye.

Quadrantic vortex vein decompression with subretinal fluid drainage for manangement of Nanophthalmic choroidal effusions\u2014 a review of literature and case series

BackgroundUveal effusion syndrome is a rare entity of idiopathic exudative detachments of uveal tissues and retina. Medical treatments with systemic steroids and antimetabolites have been tried but with variable results. Scleral windows or vortex decompressions are usually performed and surgeons usually perform partial sclerectomy in all the quadrants.Case presentationFor the first time, we report 2 cases of nanophthalmic uveal effusion syndrome managed with our technique.ConclusionQuadrantic vortex vein decompression with external drainage for nanophthalmic uveal effusion can provide immediate and stable gain in vision.

External Drainage of Subretinal Fluid During Vitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment.

External Drainage of Subretinal Fluid During Vitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment.

Novel transscleral sutureless subretinal fluid drainage using a 25-gauge trocar-cannula with a self-closing valve in patients with advanced Coats disease.

To assess surgical outcomes of a novel method of transscleral drainage of subretinal fluid using a 25-gauge trocar-cannula with a self-closing valve (DTV) in patients with severe exudative retinal detachment (ERD) in Coats disease. Retrospective consecutive cases of 20 patients (20 eyes) of severe ERD due to Coats disease (stage 3B) in total 156 Coats patients between June 2015 and April 2019 were included in this study. The participants were aged 1 to 10y with a mean age of 3.50±1.79y. The mean follow-up time were 11.9mo. Subretinal fluid was drained transsclerally using a novel method of DTV. The height of the retinal detachment and the regression of abnormal vessels including telangiectasias and aneurysms were observed. Complications including vitreoretinal fibrosis, tractional retinal detachments (TRD), endophthalmitis, retinal holes, and hemorrhages were evaluated. Following surgeries, the patients showed the replacement of ERD and regression of telangiectatic retinal vessels observed with binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy. Six patients received retinal cryotherapies and 12 patients received laser photocoagulations following first external subretinal fluid drainage using DTV. All patients underwent intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapies to induce residual subretinal fluid absorption. During follow-ups, 8 patients underwent a second drainage operation, 17 patients received retinal laser photocoagulations and 7 patients received cryotherapies. Vitreoretinal fibrosis was found in 7 patients and 6 patients underwent micro-invasive vitrectomies during the follow-up period. Severe TRD, iatrogenic retinal holes, and hemorrhages were not found. The authors present a new therapeutic approach that successfully drains subretinal fluid in advanced stage 3B Coats disease with severe ERD. This is a simple, safe and less invasive approach when compared with traditional managements. However, it should be strictly selected for patients with high bullous ERD close to the central axis of the eye in order to avoid the complication of retinal holes.

Perfluorocarbon Liquid-Assisted Neurosensory Retinal Free Flap for Complicated Macular Hole Coexisting with Retinal Detachment

Purpose: To report the surgical results and technique of perfluorocarbon-assisted neurosensory retinal flap transplantation into macular hole for concomitant macular hole and complicated retinal detachment. Method: This is a retrospective, consecutive case series of 7 cases with concomitant macular hole and complicated retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy. All eyes had previous vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane peeling, or very large (>1,000 μm) macular holes. Perfluorocarbon liquid-assisted free neurosensory retinal flap transplantation into the macular hole, and subretinal fluid drainage through iatrogenic retinectomy/retinotomy were performed, followed by air-fluid exchange with gas or silicone oil tamponade. Results: All eyes had retina reattached. Macular hole was closed in all eyes, with the graft visualized by optical coherence tomography. The best corrected visual acuity in logarithm of minimal angle of resolution improved from 2.80 ± 0.45 preoperatively to 1.40 ± 0.51 postoperatively (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Neurosensory retinal flap may be a good option in closing macular holes in eyes with concomitant macular hole and complicated retinal detachment. Because of its specific properties, the flap is easy to handle during the operation. Retinectomy or retinotomy serves to release traction, drain subretinal fluid, and provide retinal flap tissue.

Perfluorocarbon Liquid-Assisted Inverted Limiting Membrane Flap Technique Combined With Subretinal Fluid Drainage for Macular Hole Retinal Detachment in Highly Myopic Eyes.

Perfluorocarbon Liquid-Assisted Inverted Limiting Membrane Flap Technique Combined With Subretinal Fluid Drainage for Macular Hole Retinal Detachment in Highly Myopic Eyes.

Microscope-Assisted ab externo Surgery for the Treatment of Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment – New Tech Meets Old Art

Aim: To report the outcomes of ab externo surgery using a surgical microscope, wide-angle viewing system, and chandelier endoilluminator (microscope-assisted ab externo surgery) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Methods: This was a retrospective study. Consecutive charts of patients with RRD who underwent microscope-assisted ab externo surgery were analyzed. The following demographic parameters were analyzed: age (years), gender (male/female), and eye (right/left). Clinical parameters were axial length (AL) measured in millimeters (mm), preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measured in logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), intraocular pressure (IOP), and lens status (phakic/pseudophakic). The parameters of RRD were number and type of retinal breaks, location of retinal breaks, extent of retinal detachment (RD) (number of detached quadrants), and macular detachment (MD), as well as retinal breaks not detected preoperatively. Use of cryopexy, circumferential or segmental scleral buckle, drainage of subretinal fluid, injection of air or gas, and duration of surgery were recorded. The postoperative parameters analyzed were BCVA, IOP and recurrence of RD and postoperative complications. Follow-up was established at 3 months. Results: A total of 213 eyes (97 right, 116 left) of 205 patients (114 males, 91 females) affected by primary RRD were included. Fifty-two eyes (24.4%) were affected by high myopia (AL >26.5 mm), and 160 patients (75.1%) were affected by RRD caused by a single retinal break and involving only one quadrant. The superior quadrant was the most frequently involved (49.3%). Forty-two eyes (19.7%) were affected by MD. In 13 eyes (11.3%), retinal breaks were not detected preoperatively. The duration of surgery was 75.5 ± 42 min. No significant BCVA changes were observed in the whole group, whereas a significant improvement of BCVA from the baseline (2.83 ± 0.87 logMAR) to each time point of follow-up was observed in the subgroup of patients affected by MD. Six eyes (2.8%) developed a recurrent RD, secondary to proliferative vitreoretinopathy (3 eyes) and secondary to a new retinal break (3 eyes). Two eyes developed a persistent vitreous hemorrhage, and one eye developed a macular hole after 1 week. PPV was performed for both. Conclusion: Microscope-assisted ab externo surgery is effective and safe, it reduces discomfort, it allows the surgeon to work with both hands free, and provides an adequate visualization of each step being performed.