Drain fluid cryo-explant technique for treatment of superior bullous rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in young adults

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of the drain fluid cryo-explant (DFCE) technique for the management of uncomplicated superior bullous rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in young adults. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study that included eyes with uncomplicated superior bullous RRD in patients ⩽40 years old. DFCE technique consists of sequential drainage of subretinal fluid, intravitreal fluid injection, cryotherapy, and placement of a scleral explant(s). The primary outcome measure was anatomical reposition of the retina after a single surgery. Secondary outcome measures included improvement in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and any reported complication related to the procedure. RESULTS: The study included 51 eyes which met the study eligibility criteria. The mean duration of detachment was 19.7 ± 6.4 days. A single retinal break was found in 31 eyes (60.8%), and more than one break were found in 20 eyes (39.2%). The mean number of breaks per eye was 1.72 ± 1.04. The mean detached area per eye was 7.21 ± 3.19 clock hours, and the macula was detached in 22 eyes (43.1%). Flattening of the retina and closure of all retinal breaks was achieved in all eyes after a single surgery. Late recurrence of retinal detachment occurred in two eyes (3.9%) due to proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). No complicated cataract or iatrogenic retinal breaks were detected in all eyes. CONCLUSION: DFCE technique could be effectively used for treatment of uncomplicated superior bullous RRD in adults ⩽40 years. It is safe and provides good visualization during surgery with no iatrogenic retinal breaks or complicated cataract.