Surgical management of a case of giant retinal tear with closed funnel retinal detachment in a pediatric patient.

BACKGROUND: A 7-year-old male child was brought by his parents with a complaint of low vision in both eyes for 2 months. The child had low vision in both the eyes for 1.5 years, but the parents noticed when it worsened further 2 months back, leading to profound vision loss. On ophthalmic evaluation, the child did not perceive light in the right eye. Furthermore, anterior segment examination showed complicated cataract and open funnel retinal detachment with intra-retinal cysts in ultrasound (USG) B scan. In the left eye, he could appreciate light but with poor fixation. Fundus evaluation of the left eye showed total retinal detachment on indirect ophthalmoscopy, which was confirmed on USG B scan. Since the right eye had poor visual potential, no intervention was done. The left eye underwent pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade, which led to successful anatomical outcomes. The immediate and late postoperative periods were uneventful, and the child was kept under follow-up and was observed closely.

PURPOSE: To educate regarding the surgical management of giant retinal tears in a pediatric patient.

SYNOPSIS: To inform regarding the surgical challenges faced and steps adopted to manage such cases.

HIGHLIGHTS: Through this case, we want to highlight the challenges faced, such as delayed presentation, difficult preoperative evaluation, intraoperative difficulties such as mobile retina, absence of posterior vitreous detachment, and tenacious vitreous gel. We also want to emphasize on the steps taken to overcome the challenges.

CONCLUSION: In such challenging situations, effective planning, careful manipulation, and persistence are essential for success.

VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/T0Gy6Wj13zI.