Drainage or not, of subretinal fluid in conventional retinal detachment surgery

Abstract

Aims: To show whether the drainage of subretinal fluid, has or hasn't got the advantage in the conventional retinal detachment surgery. Material and methods: We have analyzed 82 patients with total or subtotal rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with deep subretinal fluid. They underwent buckling procedure with silastic sponge explants and encircling bands, with drainage of subretinal fluid during the operation. While performing the operation we have also injected a balanced salt solution 1-2ml, or air into the vitreous. Results: After the first operation out of all patients reattachment was achieved in 73 patients (89,1%). Retinal reattachment with complete resorbed subretinal fluid and accurate sitting of the brakes on the buckles was seen in 52 patients (63%) in the first post-operative day, after 2-4 days in 7 patients (8.53%), after 5 to 7 days in 3 patients (3,65%), and after 15 days in 1 patient (1,21%). As a complication of the drainage procedure in 6 patients (7,3%) we have noticed vitreal haemorrhage, as well as retinal haemorrhage in 2 patients (2,4%). Conclusion: The advantages and disadvantages in the performing of the drainage procedure during the conventional retinal detachment surgery lead to different opinions whether to perform it or not, and it makes this issue an open question. A long term study with groups under similar conditions, especially in cases with macula detachment, deep subretinal fluid and extensive periretinal membranes perhaps will give us the answer.