Modified technique to create retinal detachment during macular translocation surgery

PURPOSE: To report a modified technique for creating total retinal detachment during macular translocation surgery with a 360-degree retinotomy. DESIGN: Interventional case series. METHODS: After vitrectomy, BSS Plus (Alcon, Fort Worth, TX, USA) was injected into the subretinal space with a 39-gauge needle to create a small retinal detachment. The tip of a 20-gauge silicone-tipped needle was then placed in the hole created by the needle, and BSS Plus was injected subretinally at a high flow rate. RESULTS: In 10 eyes (10 patients), we created one iatrogenic retinal hole in seven eyes and two holes in three eyes. The time needed to create total retinal detachment was decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Our technique seems to make creation of a total retinal detachment easier compared with the previous standard procedure and may reduce postoperative complications following macular translocation surgery with a 360-degree retinotomy.