A novel method of draining intraoperative choroidal detachments during 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy

A choroidal detachment may form during pars plana vitrectomy when the infusion line is partially disinserted and fluid is infused into the choroid or suprachoroidal space instead of into the vitreous cavity. We describe a new surgical technique that was used successfully in 4 patients who developed intraoperative choroidal detachments during 23-gauge vitrectomy after the infusion cannula was accidentally partially disinserted. During surgery, the infusion line was disconnected from the partially disinserted cannula and was reconnected to another fully inserted cannula. After resuming infusion into the vitreous cavity, the partially disinserted 23-gauge cannula was left in position and was used to immediately drain the choroidal detachment that had formed intraoperatively. In all 4 patients, the surgery then proceeded without complication.