Scleral and episcleral histological changes related to encircling explantsin 20 eyes

Purpose: To investigate scleral and episcleral histological alterations ind uced by encircling explants used in scleral buckling procedures. Methods: We performed a histopathological study of 20 enucleated eyes after failure of retinal detachment surgery including encircling scleral buckle. Results: Nonabsorbable materials were encapsulated and often gave rise to a limited scleral invagination. The inner capsular surface was regular in 10 silicone explants, it was partially covered with hydrogel fragments and a granulomatous foreign body giant cell reaction in 8 hydrogel explants. One Arruga thread was encased in fibrosis and a catgut circle showed no encapsu lation. Other changes were mostly related to the long-standing retinal deta chment: peripheral anterior synechiae, anterior uveal effusion, persistent retinal detachment, retinal gliosis, retinal atrophy retinal breaks, and si licone oil droplets. Conclusion: All nonabsorbable explants underwent encapsulation and prompted scleral invagination. A granulomatous reaction accompanied hydrogel fragme ntation. The long term fragmentation impact on implanted eyes remains unkno wn.