A novel technique to avoid intraoperative giant tear slippage: the bimanual double aspiration technique

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper is to present a novel bimanual double aspiration technique to avoid intraoperative giant tear slippage. The major problem of giant retinal tears (GRT) surgery is the mobility of the posterior flap (slippage), which has been classically solved by the use of intraoperative perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL). However, avoiding slippage of the posterior flap can be a serious technical challenge when the PFCL is removed, especially when a GRT circumference is > 180°. METHODS: Conventional three-port 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) plus chandelier was performed in three patients with giant retinal tears (GRT), using the “bimanual double aspiration technique” with non-contact wide field viewing systems. All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon. RESULTS: None of the three cases presented with a retinal slippage after the bimanual aspiration technique. DISCUSSION: GRT are full thickness retinal tears that extend circumferentially more than 90° of the retina. Management of GRT is a challenge for the vitreoretinal surgeons because the higher risk of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), re-detachment and increased risk of retinal slippage; this last can occur intraoperative or postoperative. Retinal slippage is not uncommon but far under-reported and can lead to various complications such as hypotony, retinal folds, and may exacerbate PVR formation. We performed bimanual double aspiration technique to avoid intraoperative giant tear slippage. We believe that this maneuver may avoid slippage by drying the posterior edge of the GRT. There were no complications related with the technique, and no additional equipment was needed. CONCLUSION: In summary, “bimanual double aspiration technique”, is a simple, effective, safe and economic maneuver that could be a good option to avoid intraoperative slippage in giant retinal detachment surgery, thus achieving the stabilization of the posterior retinal flap. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40942-021-00309-5.