Modified needle drainage of subretinal fluid for conventional scleral buckling procedures.

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a new technique used to drain subretinal fluid (SRF) during conventional scleral buckling procedures. The procedure was performed on 15 patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in whom drainage of SRF was necessary during the surgery. It was successful in all but 1 case. The only significant complication was subretinal hemorrhage from the punctured choroid in 1 case, which resolved spontaneously without subsequent complications. This technique reduced the risk of complications during external SRF drainage, especially retinal and vitreous incarceration.