A Novel Technique for Choroidal Fluid Drainage in Uveal Effusion Syndrome

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Uveal effusion syndrome (UES) is a rare disorder associated with thickening of the choroid and secondary retinal detachment as a possible serious complication. UES occurs in hypermetropic or nanophthalmic eyes or can be idiopathic and is a diagnosis of exclusion. Vortex vein decompression, sclerectomy or sclerotomy, and drainage of choroidal fluid are surgical treatment options. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The authors describe a novel surgical technique for drainage of serous choroidal detachment using a penetrating diathermy probe in two patients with UES. The procedure involves drainage of choroidal fluid by using a penetrating diathermy probe (2 mm tip length) after placing a 20-gauge infusion line in the anterior chamber. RESULTS: Choroidal fluid drainage was successful in both patients, with satisfactory outcome on follow-up. CONCLUSION: The proposed simple and feasible surgical drainage technique may improve the management of patients with UES.