ENDOILLUMINATION-ASSISTED MODIFIED SCLERAL BUCKLING

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) necessitates surgical intervention to restore vision.
• Scleral buckling is a traditional surgical approach for RRD repair.
• Advancements in surgical tools aim to improve outcomes and minimize complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anatomical and functional results of endoillumination-assisted modified scleral buckling surgery for primary RRD.
• To assess the complication profile associated with this surgical technique.
• To determine the efficacy of a noncontact wide-angle viewing system in conjunction with scleral buckling.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, noncomparative case series involving 25 patients with primary RRD.
• Scleral buckling surgery performed using a 23-gauge endoillumination probe inserted via pars plana sclerotomy.
• Primary outcome: anatomical success rate at 6 months and 1 year. Secondary outcomes: visual acuity, re-operation rates, and complications.

Main Results:

• Anatomical success with a single surgery was achieved in 87% of patients at 1 year.
• Mean best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly, by six ETDRS lines.
• No entry site breaks or endophthalmitis were reported; posterior vitreous detachment occurred in 26% of patients.

Conclusions:

• Endoillumination-assisted modified scleral buckling surgery, utilizing a wide-angle viewing system, yields favorable anatomical and functional outcomes.
• The technique demonstrates a low rate of complications, including the absence of endophthalmitis and cataract progression.
• This approach represents a promising advancement in the surgical management of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.