Segmental scleral buckling without sling sutures around the muscles.

PURPOSE: To introduce a modified technique for segmental buckling through a small in situ conjunctival opening without rectus muscle traction for minimally invasive repair of uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

METHODS

This technique was performed in 15 eyes of 15 selected patients with primary retinal detachment. Conventional traction sutures placed beneath rectus muscles were replaced by an absorbable translimbal traction suture at lesion quadrant. The conjunctival incision was made 8-9 mm posterior and parallel to the limbus. After cryopexy, a minimal explant was fixed with one to two sutures through the conjunctival opening, expanded by a pediatric speculum.

RESULTS

Retinal reattachments were achieved with correct buckle positions in all patients, with rapid cosmetic recovery.

CONCLUSION

This modified buckling technique simplifies the buckling procedure, minimizes surgical invasiveness, preserves intact limbal conjunctiva, and relieves discomfort.