Non-contact wide-angled visualization with chandelier-assisted scleral buckling for primary uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

PURPOSE: To report our experience in non-contact wide-angled visualization with chandelier-assisted scleral buckling (SB) in uncomplicated primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRD). METHODS: Retrospective case series of 282 eyes that underwent non-contact wide-angled visualization with chandelier-assisted SB and were followed for a mean of 13.5 months. RESULTS: There were 160 male patients. The average age was 42.6 years old. There were 262 eyes that were phakic, 18 pseudophakic, and 2 aphakic. Two-thirds of eyes presented with the macula detached. Eyes had an average of 1.6 breaks. The single operation anatomic success rate was 85.1% (240/282). The pre-op visual acuity improved from 1.21 to 0.76 logMAR at 6 months (p < 0.0001). Complications included a case of scleral laceration, choroidal hemorrhage, 3 epiretinal membranes, 1 macular fold, and 4 eyes with buckle exposure. CONCLUSION: Non-contact wide-angled visualization with chandelier-assisted SB compares favorably with conventional SB for primary uncomplicated primary RRD.

Scleral Buckling: A Look at the Past, Present and Future in View of Recent Findings on the Importance of Photoreceptor Re-Alignment Following Retinal Re-Attachment.

Scleral buckling (SB) remains an important technique to master for those interested in treating rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Several ways to repair RRD include pneumatic retinopexy (PR), pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), SB or a combination of these. There is a growing worldwide trend that favors PPV as the preferred method for retinal reattachment of primary uncomplicated RRD. Reimbursement issues, operating room access, and technological advances in PPV that improve retinal visualization and less exposure to SB during fellowship training may explain this trend. As the number of SB cases decreases over time, there is a risk that SB becomes a dying art and surgeons in training may not be trained in SB. SB is preferred in eyes with no posterior vitreous detachment and retinal dialysis. SB with minimal gas vitrectomy may be indicated for eyes with inferior pathology. Non-contact wide-angled visualization with chandelier assisted SB may be well suited for teaching new generations of aspiring vitreoretinal surgeons. Its functional and anatomic results compare favorably with conventional SB for primary uncomplicated primary RRD. The main advantage of this technique is the improved visualization even through small pupils. Better visualization ensures treatment of all breaks while avoiding complications during drainage of subretinal fluid and a safer placement of intrascleral sutures for scleral fixation of the buckling element. Recordings of the procedure are easily performed, allowing the surgeons involved to review the case and learn from it. The main disadvantage is the cost involved with the chandelier and the need to have a microscope or a 3D system with a wide angle viewing system. Photoreceptor re-alignment following retinal re-attachment is an important determinant of the post-operative functional outcomes. Different methods of retinal re-attachment apparently result in different degrees of photoreceptor re-alignment. SB may hold an advantage over PPV in this regard.