Applications of the Guarded-Needle External Drainage Technique in Vitreoretinal Surgery.

PURPOSE: To describe the surgical technique using the guarded-needle external drainage for a wide variety of applications in vitreoretinal surgery. METHODS: A step-by-step procedure and a surgical video using the guarded-needle external drainage technique are presented. In addition, a series of representative cases with wide-ranging diagnoses who underwent the technique is reviewed. DESCRIPTION AND TECHNIQUE: The guarded-needle using a 27-gauge thin-walled TSK needle (TSK Laboratory International) and a trimmed 70 buckle sleeve are connected to the active extrusion tubing of the vitrectomy machine. External drainage is performed by actively aspirating subretinal fluid using low active vacuum. The guarded-needle external drainage technique is used in cases with bullous detachments, and small and anterior breaks, when performing scleral buckle, for prevention of underfill when using oil tamponade in cases with choroidal effusion, addressing subretinal gas/air, lysing a subretinal band, draining a suprachoroidal hemorrhage, for diabetic tractional retinal detachments, detachments with no definitive break, and subretinal biopsy in exudative detachments. CONCLUSION: The guarded-needle external drainage has a wide range of applications in vitreoretinal surgery.

Spontaneous Expulsive Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous Expulsive Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage (SESCH) is an extremely rare phenomenon that leads to atraumatic spontaneous globe rupture. Only a handful of SESCH cases have been reported worldwide, primarily in developing countries. Risk factors associated with SESCH include uncontrolled hypertension, previous eye surgery, glaucoma, atherosclerosis, advanced age, and corneal damage. CASE REPORT: We report a case of expulsive suprachoroidal hemorrhage in a ninety-seven-year-old female. The patient presented to the emergency department with painful bleeding from her right eye. She denied any trauma or injury to the eye. She denied any use of anticoagulation. Physical examination showed a right ocular hematoma with mild active bleeding. She had exophthalmos and proptosis with extrusion of the ocular structures. A computed tomography scan of the orbits demonstrated right globe rupture with diffuse hemorrhage. Ophthalmology was consulted, and the patient subsequently had an evisceration of her right eye. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Spontaneous expulsive choroidal hemorrhage is exceedingly rare. SESCH predominantly affects diseased eyes in the elderly. Early recognition of impending globe rupture in patients who present with suprachoroidal hemorrhage is necessary and requires prompt ophthalmology consultation. Emergency physicians must be aware that an atraumatic open globe can occur and requires immediate evaluation by an ophthalmologist and emergent repair in the operating suite.

Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage.

Suprachoroidal hemorrhage (SCH) refers to the accumulation of blood in the suprachoroidal space, a relatively uncommon but significant complication that can occur spontaneously, during ophthalmic surgery, or as a consequence of ocular trauma. If left undiagnosed and untreated, SCH can lead to severe vision loss or even blindness. Therefore, it is crucial for ophthalmologists to have a thorough understanding of this complication, taking proactive measures to prevent it during surgery and being knowledgeable about effective management strategies for patients with SCH. This review article aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of SCH, covering its risk factors, diagnostic approaches, and the best practices for its management. By enhancing awareness and knowledge in this area, we can improve patient outcomes and minimize the impact of SCH in ophthalmic practice.

Valsalva-Induced Spontaneous Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

We report a rare case of spontaneous suprachoroidal hemorrhage and present a systematic review of the literature using PubMed/Medline databases. Patients that developed a spontaneous suprachoroidal hemorrhage with a history of previous intraocular surgery were excluded. An 82-year-old male patient with no known ocular pathologies or surgical history was referred with acute ocular pain and decreased vision in the right eye (BCVA: 0.6 with hyperopic correction) following a Valsalva maneuver. General history included chronic heart failure and coronary artery disease, treated with anticoagulant and antihypertensive drugs. Dilated fundus examination revealed a posterior red-brown choroidal mass, with a thickness of 1.5 mm on B-scan ultrasonography. The lesion was not visible on fluorescein or indocyanine green angiography and was located under the choroid on B-scan optical coherence tomography. The diagnosis of a spontaneous suprachoroidal hemorrhage was evoked, and the patient was observed. Five months later, BCVA was 1.0 uncorrected, with a normal-appearing fundus. In a literature review, eight cases of spontaneous suprachoroidal hemorrhage following an episode of increased intrathoracic pressure were identified, including our patient. M/F ratio was 1 : 1, with a median age of 66.5 years. All cases presented systemic pathologies. All cases presented with a unilateral suprachoroidal hemorrhage. Only 2/8 patients had ocular comorbidities. Complications requiring treatment were noted in 4/8 cases, including 2 cases that resulted in the loss of the vision following an acute angle-closure glaucoma. Spontaneous resolution of the hemorrhage was observed in the other 4 patients. In 6/8 cases, vision recovered over a mean period of 10 weeks. In conclusion, spontaneous suprachoroidal hemorrhage following a Valsalva maneuver in eyes with no history of ocular surgery or trauma is rare, and has been associated with advanced age, cardiovascular disease and asthma. In severe cases (2/8) the eye was lost, while most cases (6/8) recovered, presenting a good visual outcome.

Surgical Management of Choroidal Diseases. / Chirurgisches Management bei Erkrankungen der Aderhaut.

Accumulation of serous fluid in the suprachoroidal space, known as uveal effusion, and choroidal or suprachoroidal haemorrhage (SCH) following rupture of ciliary blood vessels are considered rare, but serious, events with extremely poor functional prognosis. As a result, uveal effusion, and expulsive suprachoroidal haemorrhage in particular, continue to be considered as more or less fatal complications. However, clinical experience demonstrates that both clinical entities can be managed by conservative as well as surgical strategies, depending on their severity and localisation, with sometimes surprisingly favourable visual outcome. In addition to prognostic factors, timely recognition and prompt, if possible preventive, acute care, as well as carefully considered timing of adequate surgical measures taking advantage of the specific characteristics of the choroidal tissue, are crucial to treatment success. Along with technical advances in the field of vitreoretinal surgery, numerous variants of therapeutic approaches to the treatment of choroidal effusion and suprachoroidal haemorrhage have been proposed to date. This review presents some of the most important surgical techniques and strategies in the field.

VISCOELASTIC ASSISTED DRAINAGE OF SUPRACHOROIDAL HEMORRHAGE ASSOCIATED WITH SETON DEVICE IN GLAUCOMA FILTERING SURGERY.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to describe a novel surgical technique for the management of large suprachoroidal hemorrhages associated with the insertion of glaucoma seton devices. METHODS: In this interventional case series, the authors describe six eyes of six patients who had management of suprachoroidal hemorrhage with pars plana choroidal drainage along with simultaneous insertion of viscoelastic into the posterior segment. All patients had a median of 8-month postoperative follow-up. RESULTS: Five of the 6 patients had useful final vision ranging from 20/40 to 20/200. In all cases, the postoperative intraocular pressures did not increase beyond 28 mmHg and responded to aqueous humor suppressants. CONCLUSION: As suprachoroidal hemorrhage can be a devastating complication of glaucoma surgery, the authors report a relatively straightforward surgical technique that can restore ambulatory vision in a high proportion of patients.

Suprachoroidal hemorrhage in pars plana vitrectomy: risk factors and outcomes over 10 years.

PURPOSE: To investigate the rate and risk factors of developing suprachoroidal hemorrhage (SCH) after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and the outcomes as a result. DESIGN: Retrospective, comparative consecutive series. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 5459 patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomies over 10 years in 3 surgical centers. METHODS: All patient demographic, medical, and ophthalmic data and operative information from 3 vitreoretinal centers were entered prospectively into an electronic medical record. Univariate analysis was undertaken, comparing risk factors between cases (SCH) and controls. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to test for independence between the risk factors (P < 0.2 in univariate analysis) and SCH. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Risk factors for developing SCH. Visual outcome and development of complications. RESULTS: A total of 5459 PPVs were undertaken for a wide range of indications. Fifty-six cases of PPV were complicated by SCH (1.03%). Multivariable logistic regression showed that significant risk factors for developing this included advancing age, (mean age, 69 years in cases and 60 years in controls; odds ratio [OR], 1.04; P = 0.001), male sex (76.8% of cases and 58.7% of controls; OR, 2.38; P = 0.008), presence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) (80.3% of cases and 52.5% of controls; OR, 5.92; P < 0.0001), presence of a dropped lens fragment (10.7% of cases and 4.5% of controls; OR, 6.94; P = 0.002), and the use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs (33.9% of cases and 17.7% of controls; OR, 2.29; P = 0.007). Suprachoroidal hemorrhage was more common with increasing quadrants of RRD. The significant operative risk factor was application of an explant (25% of cases and 4.07% of controls; OR, 5.63; P < 0.0001). Phthisis (7.1% of cases and 0.9% of controls; P = 0.002, Fisher exact test) and glaucoma (14.3% of cases and 7.2% of controls; P = 0.044, chi-square test) were more common in cases than in controls. CONCLUSIONS: The risk factors for developing intraoperative SCH during PPV are male sex, advancing age, RRD, a scleral explant, a dropped lens fragment, and the use of aspirin or warfarin. Patients with this complication have a greater risk of developing ocular hypertension requiring treatment and phthisis.

Early controlled drainage of massive suprachoroidal hemorrhage with the aid of an expanding gas bubble and risk factors.

PURPOSE: To assess the visual outcome after massive suprachoroidal hemorrhage managed by early controlled drainage using the aid of an intravitreal expanding gas bubble (100% perfluoropropane). The ocular and systemic risk factors were also reviewed. METHODS: Data were obtained retrospectively from patients with massive suprachoroidal hemorrhage who were treated in Worthing and Southlands National Health Service Trust between January 2003 and December 2008. RESULTS: The study included 10 patients (5 women and 5 men) with a mean age of 73.9 years (range, 54-84 years). All patients underwent early controlled drainage of massive suprachoroidal hemorrhage using 100% perfluoropropane as a tamponade. The mean interval of drainage from the onset was 3.5 days (range, 1-10 days). Anatomical restoration of ocular structures was achieved in 7 patients, with good final visual outcome at mean 9 months (range, 6-14 months). The remaining three patients had poor visual outcome because of retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy. The most common risk factor in this case series was glaucoma, which was seen in five patients. Arteriosclerosis was the only risk factor in two patients. CONCLUSION: Early controlled drainage of massive suprachoroidal hemorrhage with 100% perfluoropropane tamponade may help in achieving a good visual outcome. The use of 100% perfluoropropane has the advantage of maintaining positive pressure while facilitating controlled drainage of the hemorrhage as the clot lyses. Retinal detachment however is a poor prognostic indicator. Arteriosclerosis and glaucoma were the most common risk factors seen in this case series.

Transconjunctival drainage of serous and hemorrhagic choroidal detachment.

PURPOSE: To describe a novel surgical technique for drainage of bullous serous and hemorrhagic choroidal detachments. METHODS: A prospective, consecutive case series of 6 eyes with serous and/or hemorrhagic choroidal detachments secondary to intraocular surgery was documented to evaluate the feasibility of using the 25-gauge and 20-gauge transconjunctival trocar/cannula systems to drain choroidal detachments. Two eyes had expulsive hemorrhagic choroidal detachments and 4 eyes had serous choroidal detachments after glaucoma surgeries. A 25-gauge infusion line was placed in the anterior chamber. A 20-gauge (in eyes with hemorrhagic choroidal detachments) or a 25-gauge (in eyes with serous detachments) trocar/cannula system was inserted into the suprachoroidal space 7.0 mm from limbus. After drainage, the cannulas were removed and no sutures were placed. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed only in eyes with concomitant pathology that demanded the additional procedure. The primary outcome measure was presence of choroidal detachment at 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures were visual acuity at 6 months and intraocular pressure at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Drainage of hemorrhagic choroidal detachments resulted in resolution of the detachments by 1 month postoperatively. In eyes with serous detachments, resolution was achieved by 1 week postdrainage. In both groups, intraocular pressure increased to at least 10 mmHg by postoperative Week 1. The visual acuity improved in all eyes. No complications related to the transconjunctival technique were noted. CONCLUSION: Transconjunctival drainage of serous and hemorrhagic choroidal detachments seems to be a feasible and simple surgical option with minimal scleral and conjunctival damage. Pars plana vitrectomy may not be necessary when draining choroidal detachments in this manner.

Volcano explosion in the eye: Expulsive choroidal haemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: This video shows the dreaded complication of expulsive suprachoroidal haemorrhage in a penetrating keratoplasty . It teaches the various measures that help in preventing and managing the challenge peri-operatively. PURPOSE: This video is intended to sensitize the corneal surgeons about this rare complication using real-time surgical video and prepare them to face this challenge by demonstrating the preventive and mitigating strategies. SYNOPSIS: A patient who was suitably taken up for an autokeratoplasty had expulsive choroidal haemorrhage in the non-seeing eye. This complication was managed using glycerin-preserved donor corneal button. Further, the video discusses various pre-operative and intra-operative optimizations to avoid such a complication and mitigate the damage caused by it, should it ever happen during a surgery. HIGHLIGHTS: Expulsive choroidal haemorrhage can be a traumatizing event and one must be mentally prepared to manage it. Pre-operative high-risk factors should always be managed and intra-operative maneuvers performed to prevent the complication, as shown in the video. VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/s_ImBugPELw.

Treatment of Massive Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage by Drainage Surgery with Vitrectomy: Experience of a Single Center.

PURPOSE: The present study assessed the treatment of and risk factors for suprachoroidal hemorrhage (SCH) and reported the outcomes of drainage surgery with vitrectomy in a consecutive series of patients. METHODS: Retrospective case series were carried out to investigate the clinical data of 12 eyes from 12 patients who underwent suprachoroidal hemorrhage drainage with vitrectomy surgery over a 10-year period (from 2010 to 2020). The records of these patients were analyzed, including ophthalmologic examination, ophthalmologic ultrasonography, surgical procedures, and outcome measurements. RESULTS: Twelve consecutive patients with a mean age of 56.5 years were studied. Intraocular surgery, high myopia, glaucoma, hypertension and anticoagulant therapy were the most common risk factors for SCH. All patients underwent external drainage and pars plana vitrectomy surgery. All of the patients were followed up for 10.2 months. Overall, the mean preoperative BCVA improved from 2.3 LogMAR to 1.7 LogMAR at the last follow-up visit (P = .041). CONCLUSIONS: The risk factors for SCH include high myopia, glaucoma, hypertension and anticoagulant therapy. Drainage of SCH with vitrectomy is a valuable approach in the management of SCH.

A rare ophthalmic complication: Expulsive suprachoroidal hemorrhage.

Background: Expulsive suprachoroidal hemorrhage is a rare but dreadful complication of any ophthalmic surgery. Hence an ophthalmologist should know about the various risk factors, methods for preventing such a situation, and be aware of the various options for timely management to tackle the situation. Purpose: To discuss the risk factors, intraoperative signs, and ways of managing expulsive choroidal hemorrhage. Synopsis: We discuss two cases having multiple risk factors, where the patients underwent tectonic penetrating keratoplasty. In view of extensive involvement of ocular structures, the patients were clearly explained about the guarded visual prognosis and the risk of auto-evisceration. Following trephination of host cornea, rise in intraocular pressure was identified by the increasing size of the vitreous seen prolapsing through the wound and markedly visible pulsations, along with subconjunctival bleeding. Suprachoroidal hemorrhage was suspected and immediate tamponade was given. However, bleeding was not controlled, and eventually, expulsion of all the intraocular contents occurred. Highlights: A surgeon must be aware of the risk factors, be prompt to identify the signs, and must take immediate actions for the management of expulsive choroidal hemorrhage, a rare but dreadful complication of intraocular procedures. Online Video Link: https://youtu.be/UnCH-lWGzwU.

[Surgical management of suprachoroidal haemorrhages induced by cataract surgery--case series]. / Postepowanie chirurgiczne w krwotokach nadnaczyniówkowych wywolanych operacjq zacmy--seria przypadków.

PURPOSE: Suprachoroidal hemorrhage (SCH) is a rare complication occurring during surgery (early SCH) or 3-5 days after operation as a delayed suprachoroidal hemorrhage. It occurs more often in patients who have complicated cataract surgery with vitreous loss or lens dislocation. The purpose of this study was to present surgical treatment of 7 patients with suprachoroidal hemorrhage due to cataract surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mean age of patients was 72,4 years old. There were 3 female and 4 male. Six patients were operated using phacoemulsification, one patient- using ECCE. In 3 cases the vitreous loss and lens dislocation occurred during operation. RESULTS: Suprachoroidal drainage was performed in 4 patients. In 3 patients suprachoroidal drainage was followed by vitrectomy. In this group in 2 patients injection of silicone oil was done. Anterior infusion line was used in all cases. Drainage sclerotomies were created in the quadrants of the involved SCH, confirmed by ultrasonography. In all treated patients reattachment of the choroid was obtained. The visual acuity improved significantly (final v. a. was between 0. 02 and 0. 5). CONCLUSIONS: According to our observation, the implementation of the suprachoroidal drainage combined with vitrectomy might improve the prognosis and facilitate the achievement of functional vision.

Modified posterior drainage of post-operative suprachoroidal hemorrhage.

PURPOSE: To study the anatomical and functional outcomes of trans-conjunctival 23G or 25G cannula-guided modified posterior passive drainage of post-operative suprachoroidal hemorrhage (SCH). METHODS: A retrospective study was done on 15 eyes in the last nine years. Vitrectomy with perfluorocarbon liquid injection to push SCH from inside along with 23G or 25G cannula-guided passive drainage of SCH was performed by making multiple sutureless posterior sclerotomies at 10-15 mm behind the limbus. Postoperatively, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and posterior segment findings were compared from pre-operative findings. RESULTS: Mean age at presentation was 64.93 ± 7.62 years. Complete resolution of SCH with attached retina was achieved in 60% (9/15) of cases. Mean pre-operative BCVA of Log MAR 2.82 ± 0.21 improved to mean post-operative BCVA Log MAR 1.04 ± 0.53 (P < 0.001). Mean pre-operative IOP of 27.87 ± 8.67 mmHg improved significantly to post-operative IOP of 10.2 ± 5.16 mmHg (P < 0.001). Silicone oil removal was possible in 11/15 (73.33%) cases. CONCLUSION: Posterior passive drainage of post-operative SCH by multiple sclerotomies using 23G or 25G cannulas can salvage these eyes with both anatomical and functional recovery.

An Alternative Approach for External Drainage of Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage: Active Aspiration with Butterfly Needle.

Purpose: To describe a novel surgical technique for external drainage of choroidal detachment/suprachoroidal hemorrhage with a butterfly needle.Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective case series on six eyes with serous and/or hemorrhagic choroidal detachments due to previous intraocular surgery or perforating ocular trauma that underwent active external suprachoroidal fluid drainage procedure with butterfly needle. The primary outcome measures were perioperative controlled fluid discharge and presence of choroidal detachment at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures were postoperative visual acuity and intraocular pressure.Results: During drainage, controlled hemorrhage discharge was observed. Drainage resolved hemorrhagic choroidal detachments at 1 week postoperatively. Intraocular pressure significantly increased, and visual acuity improved in all eyes. No complications were noted.Conclusion: Management of hemorrhagic choroidal detachment is challenging, and external drainage can be complicated. Active aspiration of hemorrhagic material with a butterfly needle may help early resolution.

Choroidal hemorrhage, preplaced sutures, and host-over-donor keratoplasty.

An old and currently seldom used technique, true preplaced sutures, is described in a case that was high risk for choroidal hemorrhage (CH). A penetrating keratoplasty technique, termed graft-over-host technique, was used allowing the surgeon to expeditiously close the eye in the event of CH. After partial-thickness trephination, true preplaced sutures through the corneal host tissue were passed. After complete trephination, the corneal donor graft was placed under the host and sutured in a controlled fashion. The preplaced sutures had been drawn immediately, giving a broad secure cover, allowing controlled permanent suturing of the graft while selectively removing the preplaced sutures. When CH occurs, the preplaced sutures allow the surgeon to quickly close the eye securely.

Outcomes of suprachoroidal haemorrhage drainage with and without vitrectomy: a 10-year study.

PURPOSE: The management of suprachoroidal haemorrhage (SCH) remains a challenge. We aimed to analyse and discuss the safety and efficacy outcomes of SCH drainage surgery over a 10-year period in one of the largest tertiary centres in the UK. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of consecutive patients who underwent SCH drainage in Manchester Royal Eye Hospital over a 10-year period (from 2008 to 2018). Safety and efficacy were assessed by analysing surgery-related complications and functional and anatomical success. Outcomes of those who underwent external drainage alone versus combined drainage and vitrectomy were compared. RESULTS: Twenty consecutive patients with a mean age of 70 ± 19 years were studied. Age over 70 years, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and glaucoma were the most common risk factors for SCH. Eleven patients underwent external drainage alone and nine patients had combined vitrectomy and drainage. Overall, mean pre-operative BCVA improved from 2.22 ± 0.26 logMAR (20/3319 Snellen) to 1.42 ± 1.02 LogMAR (20/526 Snellen) at last follow-up visit (p = 0.002). Severe hypotony occurred in 4 patients. Overall anatomical and functional success rates were both 75%. CONCLUSIONS: Drainage of SCH with or without vitrectomy is a valuable approach in the management of extensive SCH, a condition generally associated with poor prognosis.

Posterior segment complications following glaucoma surgeries.

The present review describes the posterior segment complications following surgical management of glaucoma. Although the majority of glaucoma cases are managed medically, still a large number of patients may require surgery. Moreover, with the advent of newer surgical techniques and adjuncts, encountering retinal complications post-surgery is not uncommon. The incidence, signs, management, and prognosis of common complications such as anesthesia-related retinal toxicity, vitreous loss, suprachoroidal hemorrhage, serous choroidal detachment, hypotonic maculopathy, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment and endophthalmitis will be discussed in detail. Awareness of these complications is necessary as their proper and timely management can save vision in an already compromised eye.