Internal Drainage of Subretinal Fluid Using 25/32 Gauge Cannula in Eyes with Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment.

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a modified novel surgical approach for the drainage of subretinal fluid (SRF) during pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for the repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Materials and Methods: This retrospective consecutive interventional case series included 15 eyes of 15 consecutive patients who were followed for at least 3 months. All patients underwent 25-gauge (G) PPV with retinal penetration using 25/32G subretinal cannula and SRF aspiration. Laser photocoagulation was not applied around the drainage area in any case. Primary outcomes included visual acuity and the presence of SRF at 1 month. Results: SRF was not detected in any case at postoperative 1 month. Mean (±standard deviation) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity improved from 1.44±1.11 to 0.43±0.59 at the last visit (p<0.01). Cataract surgery was performed in the same sitting in 5 of 11 phakic eyes (45%). Single-site drainage was effective in 11 eyes (73.4%) while two-site drainage was performed in the remaining 4 eyes (26.6%). Retinal pigment epithelium defects were observed at the drainage site in 3 eyes (20%). During follow-up, redetachment due to proliferative vitreoretinopathy occurred in one case (6.6%) and epiretinal membrane in 2 cases (13.3%). Cataract developed in 3 of the 6 remaining phakic eyes (50%). Conclusion: Transretinal drainage of SRF with the assistance of 25/32G subretinal cannula is effective with low complication rates. This drainage technique may positively affect early postoperative outcomes.