Passive silicone oil removal in 23-gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy

The authors introduce a feasible technique of passive silicone oil removal via the pars plana using 23-gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy microsurgery instruments. The procedure consists of three-port transconjunctival insertion of 23-gauge microcannulas. An inferotemporal cannula is connected to an infusion line and the height of the bottle is raised. The other two open ports are used to remove intravitreal silicone oil with an externally applied cotton swab. Passive silicone oil removal was conducted using the 23-gauge system in 46 phakic or pseudophakic eyes with silicone oil of both 1,000 (n = 39) and 5,000 centistokes (n = 7). A suture was placed for one of three sclera entry sites in 17 eyes. Cataract extraction with phacoemulsification was combined with passive silicone oil removal in 14 eyes. Transient hypotony was observed in 2 eyes. No retinal redetachment or other procedure-related complications were encountered.