Buckle removal in retinal detachment surgery: a consecutive case series.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the outcome after buckle removal in a consecutive series of treated detachments.


METHODS
Segmental and/or encircling buckles were removed in 46 consecutive patients operated upon for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, showing buckle extrusion, recurrent pain, and diplopia. Patients underwent a preoperative retinal examination, and a six- months postoperative follow-up.


RESULTS
Cryopexy of retinal breaks was performed in all 46 patients during the primary surgery. At the time of buckle removal none of the patients underwent argon-laser treatment. The removed buckling material was made of MIRAGEL in 32 cases (74%), silicone sponge in 7 (17%), and silicone band in 4 (9%). The time between the first surgery and buckle removal ranged from 1 to 17 years (8 +/- 7.5, M +/- SD). Neither postoperative complications, nor recurrences of retinal detachment developed. Best corrected visual acuity remained unchanged during the follow-up. Diplopia resolved in all 4 eyes after buckle removal with no need for a strabismus operation, prismatic lenses were required in one case only.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the absence of a control group, the adequately applied retinopexy during primary surgery could probably prevent the recurrence of retinal detachment.
Nuzzi
Giuseppe
G
Dept. of Ear, Tooth and Eye Sciences, Unit of Ophthalmology, University of Parma, Italy. nuzzi@unipr.it
Rossi
Stefania
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000601:surgery*; D012591:Scleral Buckling / Q000379:methods*