Management of Delayed Complications of Hydrogel Scleral Buckles

Abstract

(1) Background: hydrogel scleral buckles (HSB)-related complications can happen decades after implantation, although this material has been retrieved for a long time. Due to its fragile texture, ensuring the complete removal of this material and avoiding complications are challenging. Incomplete removal, iatrogenic complication, recurrent retinal detachment, and infection could occur. (2) Methods: chart review of patients who developed delayed HSB-related complications and received removal of HSB in Taipei Veterans General Hospital from 2004 to 2021. The presenting symptoms, prior diagnosis before referral, clinical findings, image features, surgical technique, operative findings, and outcome were analyzed. Detailed surgical procedure and tips for removal were demonstrated in the study. (3) Results: a total of eleven patients were identified. The presenting symptoms include limitations to extraocular movement (ten eyes, 90.9%), ocular redness (eight eyes, 72.7%), ocular fullness (eight eyes, 72.7%), pain (six eyes, 54.5%), and exposed ocular foreign body (five eyes, 45.5%). Of note, six patients (54.5%) have monocular glaucoma and four of them have intractable high intraocular pressure. All patients underwent surgeries to smoothly remove swollen HSB via transcutaneous or transconjunctival approach. Most symptoms improved after surgery and no cases developed surgical-related complications. (4) Conclusions: although HSB have been off the market for decades, delayed complications are still emerging. Clinicians should remain alert for potential complications for patients with prior HSB surgeries. Early diagnosis and meticulous management can help to safely remove the expanded HSB and reduce the associated complications.