Minimally invasive method for repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment following treatment for retinoblastoma

Abstract

A minimally invasive method for repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment following treatment of retinoblastoma is described. Two children with retinoblastoma developed rhegmatogenous retinal detachments following treatment with a combination of chemotherapy and cryotherapy. Each eye underwent a non-drainage scleral buckling procedure without retinopexy of the retinal break. Postoperatively, the retinas reattached and retinopexy with indirect laser photocoagulation was performed during subsequent examinations under anesthesia. The retinas have remained attached with 2 to 5 years of follow-up. The tumor recurred in case 2, was treated with additional chemotherapy, and has undergone type 1 regression. Non-drainage scleral buckling without retinopexy is a useful technique for repairing rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in eyes with retinoblastoma. The retinal break can be treated postoperatively with indirect laser photocoagulation to minimize the chance of viable tumor cell dissemination.