Aim: To introduce a new method for suprachoroidal fluid drainage before 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy.
Methods: A 15° side-port blade was firstly used to create a sclerotomy into the suprachoroidal space for initial drainage. A 30-guage needle was then applied to inject balanced saline solution through the existing sclerotomy for further drainage. After most of the suprachoroidal fluid was drained, standard 3-port 23-guage pars plana vitrectomy was performed.
Results: We have succeeded in using this technique to treat five patients with retinal detachment and kissing choroidal detachment (KCD). The choroidal detachment was visibly recessed in all cases after drainage with no intraoperative complications. After removal of silicon oil at 3mo follow-up, all patients obtained a reattached retina. No postoperative complications such as hypotony and endophthalmitis occurred.
Conclusion: The new technique is efficient and safe for suprachoroidal fluid drainage for patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. In future, further larger series are needed to attest to its safety and efficacy.
Keywords: choroidal detachment; retinal detachment; suprachoroidal fluid; vitrectomy.
International Journal of Ophthalmology Press.