Recurrence of Retinal Detachment after Scleral Buckle Removal

PURPOSE: To investigate the indications for scleral buckle removal and the risk factors for the recurrence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment after scleral buckle removal. METHODS: In this retrospective study, the medical records of all patients who underwent scleral buckle removal for the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were reviewed. RESULTS: Forty eyes (40 patients) were included in this study. The indications for scleral buckle removal included exposure without infection in 23 eyes (57.5%), exposure with infection in seven eyes (17.5%), elevated intraocular pressure in six eyes (15.0%), strabismus or diplopia in three eyes (7.5%), and migration of buckle material in one eye (2.5%). After the removal of the scleral buckle, the recurrence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was observed in four eyes (10.0%) during follow-up, and the retina was successfully reattached after pars plana vitrectomy in all the eyes. Most clinical and ocular factors of the eyes with and without the recurrence of retinal detachment during follow-up were not different, but the eyes that underwent encircling removal were more likely to have retinal detachment recurrence during follow-up than those that underwent segmental buckle removal (n = 4 / 16 [25.0%] vs. n = 0 / 24 [0.0%]; p = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: Scleral buckle removal can result in the recurrence of retinal detachment. The benefits and risks of scleral buckle removal should be carefully considered before surgery, and extensive monitoring during follow-up after scleral buckle removal is important, especially for patients who underwent encircling removal.