Silicone oil removal: results, risks and complications

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery

Background:

• Silicone oil tamponade is used in complex retinal detachments.
• Its removal is a common surgical step, but associated with potential complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes and complications of silicone oil removal.
• To assess the efficacy of specific criteria for selecting eyes for oil removal.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 83 eyes undergoing silicone oil removal.
• Eyes were selected based on retinal attachment, absence of traction, and preoperative visual acuity.
• Follow-up ranged from 1.3 to 62.5 months (mean 15.7 months).

Main Results:

• Visual acuity improved in 48.2% of eyes, remained stable in 26.5%, and worsened in 25.3%.
• Common complications included reproliferation (42.2%), retinal detachment (20.5%), increased intraocular pressure (27.7%), and lens opacification (36.7%).
• Severe keratopathy occurred in 8.4% of cases.

Conclusions:

• Silicone oil removal, even in carefully selected eyes, has a notable complication rate.
• Improving results may involve reducing reproliferation and carefully balancing risks and benefits.