A new suturing method for the treatment of giant retinal tear

We report a new method for suturing the retina to the ocular wall when this is required for treatment of retinal detachment due to giant retinal tear. After closed vitrectomy, one of two ski-shaped needles (2.8 mm long and 0.4 mm thick) with an 8-0 nylon thread is introduced from a 1.4 mm scleral incision in the pars plana, advanced under direct observation through the retinal flap, and led extraocularly to an appropriate site in the opposite ocular wall. The second needle is advanced similarly through the same scleral incision and exited from the opposite ocular wall. The thread is then tied extraocularly on the sclera. The retinas of two patients were successfully reattached using this procedure in combination with encircling and the use of SF6 gas and air.