Abstract:
Aim: To describe a new and simple silicone oil removal method with 23-gauge (G) transconjunctival vitrectomy system.
Material and Methods: This is a prospective, single center, interventional clinical trial. A hundred thirty-three eyes of 133 patients
were enrolled in this study. 1000 centistoke (cSt) silicone oil was removed with our new method. Main outcome measurements were
silicone oil removal time, number of sutured 23 G sclerotomy sites, intraoperative and postoperative complications, preoperative and
postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) alterations, and preoperative and postoperative visual acuity changes.
Results: The mean time between pars plana vitrectomy surgery with silicone oil endotamponade and silicone oil removal was 8.5±3.5
months. Mean silicone oil removal time was 141.7±37.7 seconds. 210 of total 293 sclerotomies sites required suture. A statistically
significant decrease in postoperative IOP was found only on day 1 (p<0.05). Mean preoperative (before silicone oil removal) best
correct visual acuity (BCVA) was LogMAR 1.39±0.74 and mean postoperative BCVA at the final visit was LogMAR 1.23±0.88 (p<0.05).
Mean postoperative follow-up was 7.2±6.2 months. Postoperative transient hypotony occurred in 23 eyes (IOP < 7 mm-Hg), revitreous hemorrhage occurred in 5 eyes and retinal re-detachment occurred in 7 (5.3%) eyes.
Conclusion: Removal of 1000 cSt silicone oil with our new method is effective, safe, easy, and fast.
