[Advantages of sliced silicone sponge in retinal detachment surgery]

A retrospective study was undertaken in order to compare full-thickness sponge with sliced sponge in retinal reattachment operations. In 41 patients (42 eyes) in whom a sliced plug was used, retinal reattachment was achieved in all cases; there were no infections, but lesions of the conjunctiva could not be prevented. In the control group with conventional full-thickness sponge, retinal reattachment was not achieved in 2 out of 28 cases, and in 2 eyes infection occurred, resulting in rejection of the plug. The authors conclude that the results of retinal reattachment surgery are the same with sliced sponge plugs as with full-thickness plugs. The advantages offered by the elastic effect of sliced sponge are reduced danger of rejection, less irritation of the eye and improved patient comfort. Scleral buckles after plugging with sliced sponge are smoother and broader and episcleral support of the retinal defect is adequate.