Should scleral buckling surgery be applied only on young and phakic patients?

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the anatomical and functional results of scleral buckling (SB) and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) patients. Materials and Methods: The records of uncomplicated RRD patients were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups according to the type of surgery (SB or PPV). The demographic features of patients, the status of lens and macula, the duration between diagnosis and surgery, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP) and anterior-posterior segment examination were recorded before surgery, at 1st month, 3rd month and final visits. The obtained data were compared between groups. Results: The study was included 14 patients who underwent SB (Group 1) and 33 patients who underwent PPV. The mean age was 60.1±13.9 (16-87) years. Any difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender, lens status, and macular involvement was detected (p>0.05). The duration from diagnosis to surgery was 27.2±6.0 hours in Group 1, and 90.1±30.7 hours in Group 2 (p<0.0001). Age (p:0.199), the status of the lens (p:0.234) and macula (p:0.144) were not determinant factors in the choice of surgical method. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of anatomical and visual gain. Discussion: Although scleral buckling (SB) surgery has been recently a less preferred procedure in the treatment of RRD, it has similar success rates with PPV in uncomplicated RRD. It can be successfully performed not only in young and phakic patients, but also in all RRD patients, provided that appropriate indication.