Scleral Buckling Alone or in Combination with Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repair: A Meta-Analysis of 7,212 Eyes

Abstract

<b><i>Purpose:</i></b> The efficacy and safety of scleral buckling (SB) versus combination SB and pars plana vitrectomy (SB + PPV) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair remains unclear. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to identify comparative studies published from Jan 2000–Jun 2021 that reported on the efficacy and/or safety following SB and SB + PPV for RRD repair. Final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) represented the primary endpoint, while reattachment rates and ocular adverse events were secondary endpoints. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Across 18 studies, 3912 SB and 3300 SB + PPV eyes were included. Final BCVA was nonsignificantly different between SB and SB + PPV (20/38 vs. 20/66 Snellen; WMD = −0.11 LogMAR; 95% CI: [–0.29, 0.07]; <i>p</i> = 0.23). Primary reattachment rate was similar between procedures (<i>p</i> = 0.74); however, SB alone achieved a significantly higher final reattachment rate (97.40% vs. 93.86%; RR = 1.03; 95% CI: [1.00, 1.06]; <i>p</i> = 0.04). Compared to SB + PPV, SB alone had a significantly lower risk of postoperative macular edema (RR = 0.69; 95% CI: [0.47, 1.00]; <i>p</i> = 0.05) and cataract formation (RR = 0.34; 95% CI: [0.12, 0.96]; <i>p</i> = 0.04). The incidence of macular hole, epiretinal membrane, residual subretinal fluid, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, elevated intraocular pressure, and extraocular muscle dysfunction were similar between SB and SB + PPV. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> There was no significant difference in final BCVA between SB + PPV and SB alone in RRD. SB alone offers a slightly higher final reattachment rate along with a reduced risk of macular edema and cataract. Primary reattachment rate and the incidence of other complications were similar between the two procedures.