Extended criteria for vitrectomy and fluid/silicone oil exchange

The results of vitrectomy combined with fluid/silicone oil exchange at six months after surgery in 39 eyes with complex retinal detachments without (initially) severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy, proliferative diabetic retinopathy or giant retinal tears, are reported. Eyes with detachments as a result of macular holes, large multiple or posterior breaks, and eyes which had undergone previous, unsuccessful vitreoretinal surgery are included. In 90% the retina remained reattached, with functional improvement in 72%. These findings, together with the relatively low incidence of complications observed, lead us to recommend this technique in the management of selected detachments falling outside the parameters within which its use is generally accepted.