Scleral buckling: implant versus explant.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the implant and explant techniques of scleral buckling.


METHODS
This prospective, randomized clinical study compared the two techniques of scleral buckling. Variables such as size and extent of the buckle, duration of the surgery, complications, and anatomical and visual outcome were studied. The height of the buckle as measured by ultrasonography was also studied.


RESULTS
No significant difference was found between the two groups for total duration of the surgery, complications, anatomical results, visual outcome, and buckle height. For the 1- to 2-quadrant buckles, duration of the surgery up to initiation of subretinal fluid drainage was found to be significantly shorter for the explant group. Serial ultrasonography showed significant reduction in buckle height over 6 months in both groups to an equal degree.


CONCLUSIONS
Scleral buckling seems to be equally effective whether performed as an implant or explant.
The Vitreo Retinal Services, Sankara Nathralaya, Medical and Vision Research Foundations, Chennai, India. drlg@sankaranethrlaya.org
Lingam
L
Gopal
Candace M
CM
D'Souza
Muna
M
Bhende
Shika
S
Fogla
Dhanasree
D
Ratra
Nitin S
NS
Shetty
Tarun
T
Sharma
Mahesh P
MP
Shanmugam
Pramod
P
Bhende
Rajani R
RR
Bhattu
Sengamedu S
SS
Badrinath
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D012591:Scleral Buckling / Q000379:methods*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014792:Visual Acuity