The authors describe a novel surgical technique for external drainage of choroidal detachment / suprachoroidal haemorrhage with a butterfly needle. Six eyes with serous and / or haemorrhagic choroidal detachments (five from complicated cataract surgery with vitreous loss, one globe rupture) were included. They underwent noncontact visualisation system-controlled active aspiration method for drainage and balanced salt solution to reform the globe, followed by pars plana vitrectomy. The duration between first and second surgery ranged from 9-16 days, based on blood liquefaction. The primary outcome measures were perioperative controlled fluid discharge and presence of choroidal detachment at one week, one month, and six months postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures were postoperative visual acuity and intraocular pressure. During drainage, controlled haemorrhage discharge was observed. Drainage resolved haemorrhagic choroidal detachments at one week postoperatively. Intraocular pressure significantly increased, and visual acuity improved in all eyes, ranging from 20/50 to 20/400 for cases of haemorrhage from complicated cataract surgery (vs. HMs/LP at baseline). No complications were noted. The authors report that their novel technique involving active aspiration of haemorrhagic material with a butterfly needle may help early resolution of choroidal detachments.
A novel approach to suprachoroidal haemorrhage drainage
Reviewed by Su Young
An alternative approach for external drainage of suprachoroidal hemorrhage: active aspiration with butterfly needle.
