Withdrawal of Inter-retinal Fluid in Detachment Operation by Simple Suction Apparatus.

RECENTLY several surgeons at the Moorfields Eye Hospital have been using Weve's operative technique (with minor modifications) for detachment of the retina. In short, this consists of accurate localisation of the hole or holes and the edge of a dialysis by means of a narrow beam of light; and localised surface diathermy by the unipolar method, followed by fine punctures, also unipolar, in the area of surface diathermy. Weve stresses the importance of seeing that the retina surrounding the hole lies in perfect apposition with the choroid at the end of operation. In many, if not in most cases, it is often impossible to remove all the inter-retinal fluid, either by massage or by further punctures, both undesirable practices when carried to excess. In order to facilitate the removal of fluid, I have tried using a simple suction apparatus which consists of a glass tube with a suction cup at one end, set at the requisite angle, the other end