Modified self sealing sclerotomy for drainage of subretinal fluid during scleral buckling surgery
- 1The Retina and Vitreous Service, Clinica de Ojos de Maracaibo, Maracaibo, Venezuela
- 2Retina and Vitreous Service, Clinica Oftalmologica Centro Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
- Correspondence to: Dr J Fernando Arevalo Clinica Oftalmologica Centro Caracas, Centro Caracas PH-1, Av Panteon, San Bernardino, Caracas 1010, Venezuela; areval1telcel.net.ve
- Accepted 9 July 2003
Drainage of subretinal fluid is probably the most dangerous step in scleral buckling surgery for uncomplicated retinal detachment. The most common complications include subretinal haemorrhage, retinal perforation, and vitreoretinal incarceration.1,2 Sclerotomy to drain subretinal fluid is traditionally made with a sharp blade, diathermy to the sclera and choroid is performed, followed by perforation of the choroid to allow drainage of subretinal fluid. Suture of the sclerotomy at the end of the procedure has been recommended to avoid retinal incarceration.
The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness and safety of a modified self sealing sclerotomy technique for drainage of subretinal fluid during scleral buckling surgery.
Patients and methods
Twenty consecutive patients undergoing scleral buckling for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment from two vitreoretinal surgery centres were enrolled in this prospective study. A scleral buckling procedure was …
