Small-Gauge Endoscopy-Guided Pneumatic Anterior Hyaloid Detachment: A New Surgical Technique for Combined Pars Plana Vitrectomy and Pars Plana Glaucoma Drainage Implant.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Pars plana glaucoma drainage implant (GDI) occlusion is mainly related to entrapment of residual anterior vitreous gel in the implant. The aim of the present report is to describe a new surgical technique to induce pneumatic anterior hyaloid detachment in eyes with GDI.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a description of the surgical technique used to induce pneumatic anterior hyaloid detachment.

RESULTS: The technique was used in two cases. The first patient had secondary Ahmed valve (New World Medical, Rancho Cucamonga, CA) obstruction secondary to anterior vitreous entrapment; the second patient had neovascular glaucoma secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy and underwent pars plana GDI implantation.

CONCLUSION: Endoscopy-assisted anterior hyaloid detachment allows for complete removal of anterior hyaloid and decreases the risk of secondary implant obstruction. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2018;49:48-50.].