Non-drainage scleral buckling with solid silicone elements

With the increasing number of cataract surgeries, incidence of posterior segment complications including rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is likely to rise. Scleral buckling (SB) surgery is an effective and less expensive option. The primary advantage of non-drainage procedure is avoidance of possible complications associated with trans-choroidal drainage. The aim of present study is to describe the clinical profile of subjects undergoing non-drainage SB surgery with solid silicone elements for RRD and analyze their treatment outcomes.

This was a retrospective, non-randomized, interventional study at a tertiary care center. Three hundred and six eyes of 298 patients undergoing non-drainage SB surgery with solid silicone elements from year 2000 to 2006 were included. Inclusion criteria were primary RRD, peripheral depressible retinal break, media clarity affording peripheral retinal view and proliferative vitreo-retinopathy (PVR) up to grade C2. Uni- and multivariate analyses was done to analyze factors affecting anatomical and visual outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 10.

Mean follow-up was 303 ± 393.33 days. Primary anatomical success was obtained in 279 (91.2%) eyes; primary functional success in 286 (93.5%) eyes. PVR (grade B or C), intraocular pressure <10 mm Hg and the inability to find a retinal break were significantly associated with final anatomical failure. Baseline vision ≤3/60 was significantly associated with poor visual recovery.

SB surgery is reasonably safe and highly efficacious. Solid silicone elements are effective in non-drainage SB surgery. However, case selection is important.