TENON CAPSULE-VITREOUS CAVITY FISTULA AFTER HYDROGEL SCLERAL BUCKLE REMOVAL.

PURPOSE: To report a rare case of vitreous cavity-Tenon capsule fistula formation after removal of a symptomatic hydrogel scleral buckle.

METHODS: Case report.

RESULTS: A 43-year-old man presented with chronic headache and involuntary gaze deviation for over 1 year after hydrogel scleral buckle surgery 25 years prior. After removal of the scleral buckle, the patient developed a fluid-filled inflation of the buckle capsule, surrounding a previously noted area of severe scleral thinning. Ocular ultrasonography suggested a fistulous connection between the vitreous cavity and the sub-Tenon space in the area of scleral thinning. There was resolution of diplopia and headache postoperatively, with stability of the fluid collection on clinical examination. Because of high risk of further surgery and resolution of the patient's symptoms, conservative management was elected.

CONCLUSION: This is the first report, to the best of our knowledge, of Tenon capsule-vitreous cavity fistula formation after scleral buckle explantation. Because of innate ability to expand, as well as tendency to become friable, hydrogel buckles have a higher risk of requiring removal and of complications from explantation, respectively. Our patient experienced relief of symptoms, without complication from the fistula, and was successfully managed conservatively.