CHANDELIER-ASSISTED EXTERNAL DRAINAGE OF SUBRETINAL FLUID

Abstract

Purpose: 

External drainage could be indicated for long-standing nonresolving exudative retinal detachment secondary to chronic central serous chorioretinopathy, capillary hemangioma, and Coats disease. The authors report a modified technique of external drainage of subretinal fluid using Chandelier illumination.

Methods: 

Muscles were tagged after conjunctival exposure. After placing the Chandelier illumination at the 12-o'clock position, 26-gauge needle attached with cannula is inserted externally at the equator into the subretinal space. Under direct visualization through surgical microscope, subretinal fluid was slowly removed and the needle was withdrawn. After maintaining the intraocular pressure, retina was examined and was found to be attached.

Results: 

Successful removal of subretinal fluid achieved without any complications.

Conclusion: 

Chandelier-assisted external drainage of subretinal fluid is easier, well-controlled, and a convenient technique, which provides continuous direct visualization during external drainage of subretinal fluid to achieve excellent anatomical and visual outcome and prevent complications.

In Brief

Chandelier-assisted drainage achieved complete removal of subretinal fluid under direct visualization without any complication.