Silastic sponge implants in retinal detachment surgery

Two hundred consecutive primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments repaired with Silastic sponge implants were evaluated. A primary reattachment rate of 94% and an overall reattachment rate of 95% were achieved. Two of the successful repairs became detached after six months giving a redetachment rate of approximately 1%. Eight of the 12 failures were due to massive periretinal proliferation (MPP) (overall incidence of MPP = 4%). To date, only one Silastic sponge has had to be removed because of late infection. No cases of extrusion or erosion occurred. We recommend this procedure as safe and effective.