An unusual complication of retinal reattachment surgery

The authors report a case with an unusual late extraocular complication of scleral buckling and local silicone sponge implant. Four years after the reattachment surgery, a ptotic upper eyelid perforated by local silicone sponge implant and fistula between upper eyelid and sclera were detected. Primary repair of upper eyelid and removal of silicone sponge were performed. One year later, the retina was attached and there was no problem with the upper eyelid. Cryotherapy, episcleral explant (scleral buckling), and local implant (sponge) are frequently used and effective methods for retinal reattachment surgery. Postoperative early and late complications have been reported. To our knowledge, there is no report of upper eyelid perforation, ptosis and fistula formation caused by silicone sponge implant rejection.