Pars Plana Vitrectomy With External Drainage for Nonexudative Retinal Detachment

To describe a surgical technique for retinal detachment with undetected retinal breaks, which combines pars plana vitrectomy and external subretinal fluid (SRF) drainage.

In this retrospective observational study, patients with a diagnosis of retinal detachment with undetected retinal breaks were enrolled. Standard three-port 25-gauge (G) core and peripheral pars plana vitrectomy was performed. Perfluorocarbon liquid was injected into the vitreous cavity to obtain posterior retinal flattening. Trans-scleral 27-G needle external drainage was performed approximately at 8 mm from limbus to drain SRF subconjunctivally. Prophylactic peripheral endolaser was performed on 360°. Sulfur hexafluoride 20% was used as tamponade.

In 14 of 15 patients, complete SRF drainage was obtained. In only one case, SRF did not leak out in the subconjunctival space. Neither intraoperative nor postsurgical complications were recorded. Flat retina with no SRF was observed in all samples, and no retinal detachment relapses were reported at each follow-up.

External drainage combined with pars plana vitrectomy may represent a valid and safe option to drain SRF in retinal detachment cases with undetected retinal breaks. The advantages of the technique include the absence of dispersion of retinal pigment epithelium cells in the vitreous chamber, prompt dry retina, and low risk of postoperative retinal folds.