Modified scleral band buckle placement technique

BACKGROUND: Scleral buckling is considered an art, which has a long learning curve compared to other surgical retina techniques. Unfortunately, this beautiful surgical technique is getting less attention as new retina surgeons don’t get much exposure to this age-old surgical technique, reason being less interest shown by young retina surgeons and tremendous advancement in micro-incision vitrectomy system.This video is a modification of the present technique of placement of band buckle, which uses science rather than art.The most important aspect in band buckle is getting the optimal buckle height which needs a lot of experience before one can achieve it. Most of the surgeons tend to tighten it more than needed that can lead to complications. This new technique is easy to learn and will give controlled reproducible buckle height and can be done safely by the trainees. PURPOSE: The aim of this video is to simplify the technique of scleral buckling which can produce controlled and reproducible buckle height and will reduce the complications associated with a tight band buckle. SYNOPSIS: A 360-degree peritomy is made. Four recti muscles are identified and separated and traction sutures are passed under their insertions. A partial thickness scleral tunnel is made in all four quadrants. A silicone band (style#41 used in this video) is passed through the scleral tunnel and under the insertion of all four recti.The two ends of the silicone band are trimmed so that they are opposed to each other. Then a 12-mm strip is cut off from one end, and the two remaining ends are tied with a 5-0 nonabsorbable suture. This technique ensures a 2-mm optimal buckle height. HIGHLIGHTS: We present an elegant technique of placing the band buckle in retinal detachment surgery. VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/9_dh6qsd-7A