Intraoperative suprachoroidal hemorrhage during Xen gel stent implantation

To report a rare case of intraoperative suprachoroidal hemorrhage during Xen gel stent implantation with accompanying surgical video and subsequent 6-month follow-up.

Our patient required incisional glaucoma surgery after inadequate pressure reduction with four classes of topical medication, methazolamide, and selective laser trabeculoplasty. The patient underwent Xen gel stent implantation and developed an intraoperative suprachoroidal hemorrhage, which was managed in the operating room. The patient recovered his baseline visual acuity with a functioning bleb out to 6 months postoperatively.

Micro-invasive glaucoma surgeries offer a new repertoire of surgical options, purportedly with safer and less invasive techniques. Xen gel stent implantation may be a promising alternative to traditional trabeculectomies and tube shunt implants, providing similar IOP lowering results with potentially lower risk for complications. However, rare and severe complications such as suprachoroidal hemorrhage may still occur. Recognizing a suprachoroidal bleed, particularly intraoperatively, will still be necessary to help minimize the potential vision threatening sequelae often associated with this severe complication.