A Stepwise Approach to the Surgical Management of Hemorrhagic Choroidal Detachments

Purpose: This work describes a stepwise surgical approach to draining choroidal detachments and 2 cases for which this approach was used. Methods: The first step involves insertion of an anterior chamber maintainer and a nonvalved 23- or 25-gauge trocar cannula at the highest peak of hemorrhagic choroidal detachment (as determined using B-scan ultrasonography), 6 to 8 mm from and angled 20° to 30° toward the limbus. The second step involves removal of the trocar to expose the sclerotomy. Alternatively, the second step can be insertion of a second trocar. The third step involves the creation of a small focal peritomy around the preexisting sclerotomy and enlargement of the preexisting sclerotomy into a radial sclerotomy. Progression between steps only occurs if prior steps did not provide adequate drainage. Results: Two cases of appositional hemorrhagic choroidal detachments in hypotonic eyes were successfully resolved by this stepwise approach. In case 1, a choroidal detachment developed after a corneal ulcer perforation. The hemorrhagic choroidal detachment in case 1 was resolved with steps 1 and 2, and an unnecessary scleral cutdown was avoided. In case 2, a choroidal detachment developed after a trabeculectomy. The detachment in case 2 required progression to step 3, extension of the trocar insertion site into a radial sclerotomy. Conclusions: This stepwise approach should be considered to reduce excessive manipulation of the globe and conjunctiva in hemorrhagic and serous choroidal detachments that warrant surgical intervention.