Treatment Overview
Hybrid Scleral Buckle with Vitrectomy is an advanced retinal reattachment procedure that combines scleral buckling (external support) with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) (internal vitreoretinal repair). This hybrid approach is particularly effective for complex or recurrent retinal detachments, giant retinal tears, high myopia, or detachments complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).
In Korea, this surgery is performed using cutting-edge technology and expert retinal surgeons:
- Microincision vitrectomy (25–27G) for minimally invasive access
- Widefield intraoperative visualization for complete mapping of retinal breaks
- Intraoperative OCT (iOCT) for real-time monitoring of retinal reattachment
- Endolaser photocoagulation, diathermy, or cryopexy to seal retinal tears
- Silicone oil or gas tamponade when additional internal support is needed
- AI-assisted surgical planning for optimal buckle placement and retinal reattachment
This hybrid approach provides both external and internal retinal support, maximizing the likelihood of anatomical success while preserving visual function.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Repair complex or recurrent retinal detachments
- Provide external support via scleral buckle and internal repair via vitrectomy
- Flatten detached retina and seal retinal breaks
- Reduce vitreoretinal traction and prevent recurrent detachment
- Support adjunctive tamponade with gas or silicone oil
- Preserve central and peripheral vision
Benefits
- Combines advantages of scleral buckling and vitrectomy for complex cases
- Minimally invasive with microincision vitrectomy
- Real-time intraoperative monitoring ensures precise retinal reattachment
- High anatomical success rate in recurrent or complicated detachments
- Can be combined with adjunctive endolaser, diathermy, cryopexy, or tamponade
- Faster recovery compared to traditional combined procedures
- AI-assisted planning enhances surgical precision and safety
Ideal Candidates
Hybrid Scleral Buckle with Vitrectomy in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with complex or recurrent retinal detachment
- Eyes with giant retinal tears, PVR, or high myopia
- Detachments with posterior or multiple retinal breaks
- Individuals needing both internal and external retinal support
- Trauma-induced or long-standing retinal detachments
- Patients requiring adjunctive laser, diathermy, or cryopexy
- Eyes at high risk of recurrent detachment after primary surgery
Possible Risks & Complications
This hybrid procedure carries potential risks similar to both vitrectomy and scleral buckle surgery:
Minor/Transient Issues
- Temporary blurred vision
- Mild eye irritation or discomfort
- Small floaters or visual distortion
Rare/Serious Risks
- Recurrent retinal detachment
- Retinal or choroidal hemorrhage
- Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Cataract progression (phakic eyes)
- Infection or endophthalmitis (very rare)
- Buckle-related complications: extrusion, infection, or discomfort
- Tamponade-related visual distortion or scotomas
Korean clinics minimize risks through:
- Microincision vitrectomy to reduce retinal trauma
- Widefield intraoperative visualization and iOCT for precision
- Experienced retinal surgeons with expertise in hybrid techniques
- AI-assisted preoperative and intraoperative planning
- Careful buckle selection and positioning for comfort and stability
- Structured postoperative monitoring and follow-up
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) – Microincision vitrectomy for internal repair
- Scleral Buckling – External support for retinal attachment
- Endolaser Photocoagulation – Sealing retinal breaks during vitrectomy
- Diathermy or Cryopexy – Adjunctive peripheral retinal repair
- Fluid–Air or Fluid–Gas Exchange – Assists retinal flattening
- Silicone Oil or Gas Tamponade – Long-term internal support
- Intraoperative OCT (iOCT) – Real-time monitoring of retinal and buckle positioning
- AI-Assisted Retinal Mapping – Optimizes surgical planning
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Comprehensive eye exam including visual acuity, IOP, and fundus evaluation
- OCT and widefield fundus imaging to map retinal detachment and breaks
- AI-assisted analysis for buckle selection, placement, and vitrectomy planning
Step 2 – Surgical Procedure
- Local or general anesthesia
- Microincision vitrectomy (25–27G) performed
- Removal of vitreous traction and hemorrhage
- Retinal tears sealed with endolaser, diathermy, or cryopexy
- Scleral buckle applied externally for structural support
- Fluid–air or fluid–gas exchange performed as needed
- Silicone oil or gas tamponade applied if additional support is required
Step 3 – Postoperative Follow-Up
- Immediate postoperative examination within 24 hours
- Follow-ups at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months
- OCT and fundus imaging to confirm retinal reattachment and buckle stability
Duration: 90–180 minutes (depending on complexity)
Setting: Advanced retinal surgery operating room
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Maintain head positioning as instructed (typically face-down or specific angle)
- Use prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or strenuous activity
- Protect the eye from trauma and contaminants
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
- Monitor for any signs of infection, elevated IOP, or buckle-related discomfort
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Vision may be blurred or distorted due to tamponade or buckle
- 1–2 Weeks: Retina stabilizes; gradual visual improvement
- 1–3 Months: Vision improves as retinal adhesion consolidates and buckle settles
- 3–6 Months: Long-term retinal stability confirmed
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Successful reattachment of complex or recurrent retinal detachments
- Reduced risk of recurrent detachment and PVR
- Preservation of macular and peripheral vision when possible
- Can be combined with adjunctive procedures for optimal outcomes
- High anatomical and functional success rates in complicated cases
Longevity
- Long-term retinal stability achieved in most cases
- Lifelong monitoring recommended for high-risk patients
- Rarely requires additional intervention if surgery is successful
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Advanced microincision vitrectomy and scleral buckle systems
- AI-assisted preoperative and intraoperative planning for hybrid repair
- Experienced retinal surgeons specialized in complex detachments
- Integration with laser, diathermy, cryopexy, and tamponade for maximal success
- Widefield intraoperative visualization and iOCT for precision
- Efficient outpatient care with multimodal imaging
- English-friendly clinics for international patients
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-guided planning for optimal buckle placement and vitrectomy
- Real-time iOCT monitoring for retinal and buckle positioning
- Microincision vitrectomy for minimal trauma
- Hybrid approaches combining external and internal retinal support
- Digital surgical dashboards for postoperative retinal stability tracking
- Optimized patient positioning protocols for faster adhesion and recovery
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Scleral Buckle + PPV | ₩9,000,000 – ₩14,000,000 | ~$6,900 – $10,750 | Microincision PPV + buckle + endolaser/diathermy + imaging |
| Hybrid Procedure + Silicone Oil Tamponade | ₩10,000,000 – ₩15,000,000 | ~$7,650 – $11,450 | PPV + buckle + silicone oil + adjunct repair |
| Hybrid Procedure + Gas Tamponade | ₩9,500,000 – ₩14,500,000 | ~$7,250 – $11,100 | PPV + buckle + gas + adjunct repair |
| Postoperative Monitoring Package | ₩300,000 – ₩800,000 | ~$230 – $620 | OCT + fundus + AI-assisted follow-up |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Kim’s Eye Hospital (Seoul)
- Gangnam Severance Hospital Retina Unit
- Seoul National University Hospital Retina Center
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul)
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan)
- NUNE Eye Hospital (Daegu)
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul)
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic
