Intraocular intrusion of sutures after retinal detachment buckling surgery.

BACKGROUND: Intraocular intrusion of tight encircling silicone band is a major complication of retinal detachment surgery leading to subretinal and vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, and phthisis bulbi. Intrusion of the sutures into the eye has only been reported as an adjunct to buckle intrusion.

METHODS: Seven patients (9 eyes) are presented in whom intrusion of sutures occurred as a late complication of retinal detachment surgery using the extrascleral buckling technique. Their complications and treatments are discussed.

RESULTS: Eleven anchoring sutures were observed under the retina and two sutures penetrated into vitreous cavity. In five eyes (55.5%), small subretinal or vitreous hemorrhages were noted and in one of them perforation with total detachment occurred. In four eyes, no complications were detected. In four eyes, the silicone band was cut and left in place and the hemorrhages were spontaneously absorbed. The perforated eye underwent replacement of the silicone band with a wide silicone sponge, followed by vitrectomy and silicone oil injection.

CONCLUSIONS: Intrusion of sutures into the eye can rarely be seen years after retinal detachment surgery and usually do not require surgical intervention. When hemorrhage occurs, cutting of the silicone band only, with no attempt to remove the band or the sutures, is recommended.