A Modified Technique for the Transconjunctival and Sutureless External Drainage of Subretinal Fluid in Bullous Exudative Retinal Detachment Using a 24-G i.v. Catheter.

PURPOSE: To present the use of a 24-G Optiva® i.v. catheter for external drainage of subretinal fluid (SRF) in bullous exudative retinal detachment (RD).

METHODS: Thirteen eyes with bullous exudative RD were included in our study. SRF drainage was accomplished via a transconjunctival scleral incision with a 24-G catheter followed by laser treatment, vitrectomy, or anti-VEGF treatment, as needed. Data on age, indications, visual acuities, the number of drainage times, drainage duration, complications, and fundoscopy were collected.

RESULTS: Two females and 11 males, with a mean age of 4.2 ± 2.7 years, were included. Surgical indications included exudative RD caused by Coats disease (12 eyes) and Sturge- Weber syndrome (1 eye). Successful drainage was achieved in all cases. The mean duration of the SRF drainage procedure was 63.5 ± 16.9 s. Except for 1 case of localized subretinal haemorrhage, no complications were noted.

CONCLUSIONS: External drainage of SRF using a 24-G Optiva® i.v. catheter is safe, efficient, and useful.