A novel technique to avoid intraoperative giant tear slippage: the bimanual double aspiration technique

Background The aim of this paper is to present a novel bimanual double aspiration technique to avoid intraoperative giant tear slippage. The major problem of giant retinal tears (GRT) surgery is the mobility of the posterior flap (slippage), which has been classically solved by the use of intraoperative perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL). However, avoiding slippage of the posterior flap can be a serious technical challenge when the PFCL is removed, especially when a GRT circumference is > 180°. Methods Conventional three-port 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) plus chandelier was performed in three patients with giant retinal tears (GRT), using the “bimanual double aspiration technique” with non-contact wide field viewing systems. All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon. Results None of the three cases presented with a retinal slippage after the bimanual aspiration technique. Discussion GRT are full thickness retinal tears that extend circumferentially more than 90° of the retina. Management of GRT is a challenge for the vitreoretinal surgeons because the higher risk of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), re-detachment and increased risk of retinal slippage; this last can occur intraoperative or postoperative. Retinal slippage is not uncommon but far under-reported and can lead to various complications such as hypotony, retinal folds, and may exacerbate PVR formation. We performed bimanual double aspiration technique to avoid intraoperative giant tear slippage. We believe that this maneuver may avoid slippage by drying the posterior edge of the GRT. There were no complications related with the technique, and no additional equipment was needed. Conclusion In summary, “bimanual double aspiration technique”, is a simple, effective, safe and economic maneuver that could be a good option to avoid intraoperative slippage in giant retinal detachment surgery, thus achieving the stabilization of the posterior retinal flap.

Surgical Management of a Case of a 360-Degree Giant Retinal Break

Purpose: The aim is to describe tools and techniques that can be used to deal with total retinal detachment (open funnel) and associated proliferative vitreoretinopathy due to a 360-degree giant retinal break following ocular trauma. Setting/Venue: The video (available at www. karger.com/doi/10.1159/000444811) was created at the Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine Kasr Al Ainy, Cairo University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. Methods: A 16-year-old female patient presented to the Cairo University Hospital after blunt ocular trauma. She had traumatic cataract, and ultrasound examination showed total retinal detachment. She was scheduled for surgery at the Cairo University Hospital. Phacoemulsification of traumatic cataract was done after insertion of the 3-port 23-gauge trocar system. The 25-gauge chandelier illumination system was used to assist the peeling of adherent posterior hyaloid and epiretinal membranes, allowing bimanual work using an end-gripping forceps and a diamond-dusted retinal scrapper. Removal of the vitreous surrounding the retinal funnel was performed, and a small perfluorocarbon (PFC) bubble was used to support the posterior pole. This was followed by refreshing the rolled edges of the retinal break and shaving the vitreous base and anterior leaflet of the giant break by surgeon-assisted scleral indentation. The eye was completely filled with PFC, and Argon laser retinopexy was performed. Direct PFC-silicone oil exchange was done to avoid retinal slippage (silicone oil 5,000 cSt was used). Results: Retinal attachment was successfully achieved at the end of the surgery. The silicone oil was removed 5 months after the initial surgery. The patient's uncorrected visual acuity 1 month after removal of the silicone was 0.4. Conclusions: The chandelier-assisted bimanual technique is an effective method for dealing with adherent posterior hyaloid and epiretinal membranes in a detached retina, particularly in cases of complex open-funnel retinal detachment. Proper shaving of the anterior leaflet and refreshing the edges of the retinal break helps decrease postoperative PVR formation. Direct PFC-silicone oil exchange in giant retinal breaks helps minimize the risk of retinal slippage occurrence.