Continuous ab interno repairing of traumatic cyclodialysis cleft using a 30-gauge needle in severe ocular trauma: a clinical observation

BACKGROUND: To investigate the efficacy and safety of continuous ab interno repairing of traumatic cyclodialysis cleft in severe ocular trauma using a 30-gauge (G) needle. METHODS: Fifteen patients (15 eyes) with traumatic cyclodialysis cleft admitted to the ocular trauma department of our hospital from July 2014 to December 2018 were included in this study. After the bulbar conjunctiva corresponding to the ciliary body was incised along the corneal limbus, an incision was made along the corneal limbus on the opposite side. A 30G needle with a 10–0 suture entered the anterior chamber from the incision and passed through the ciliary body with clefts and the sclera to fixate the ciliary body on the sclera wall with continuous mattress suture. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were observed preoperatively and postoperatively. In vivo ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) was performed to observe closure of cyclodialysis cleft before and after surgery. RESULTS: Fifteen patients successfully underwent continuous mattress suture for repair of cyclodialysis cleft. No bleeding and suture breakage were reported during surgery. After surgery, the UBM during follow-up showed satisfactory closure of the cyclodialysis cleft. The BCVA and IOP were improved to different degrees. The difference between the preoperative IOP and the postoperative IOP (1 week) was statistically significant (preoperative: 6.49 ± 0.98 mmHg, postoperative: 16.17 ± 4.65 mmHg, t = − 8.43, P < 0.05), and the difference between the preoperative IOP and the postoperative IOP (1 month) was also statistically significant (preoperative: 6.49 ± 0.98 mmHg, postoperative: 14.63 ± 3.63 mmHg, t = − 8.38, P < 0.05). Duration of outpatient follow-up was 3 to 12 months. No complications, including exposed knots, loose sutures, decompensation of corneal endothelium, sympathetic ophthalmia, endophthalmitis and choroidal detachment, were reported. CONCLUSION: Continuous ab interno repairing of traumatic cyclodialysis cleft in severe ocular trauma using a 30G needle is a safe and effective procedure with simple operation, little tissue damage and few complications.