Phacoemulsification and silicone oil removal through the planned posterior capsulorhexis

The purpose of the study was to present operative technique and results of a passive hydrodynamic expression of silicone oil through planned posterior capsulorhexis during cataract surgery in patients after pars plana vitrectomy. The retrospective analysis was done on 57 eyes with cataract after a previous pars plana vitrectomy, operated on between 2001 and 2004 at the Clinical hospital "Sestre milosrdnice" Zagreb. Preoperative and postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), and postoperative complications were reviewed. Visual acuity improved or stabilized in all patients with an attached retina. Retinal detachment occurred in 11 eyes. Transient vitreous hemorrhage, that resolved within 1 week of surgery without treatment, was observed in 4 eyes. Asymptomatic intraocular lens (IOL) decentration occurred in 2 eyes. Our findings suggest that silicone oil removal and cataract surgery can be performed as a single procedure in selected patients in the absence of macular pucker and retinal reproliferation, and in a presence of a stable retina.