Assessment of Pathologies Detected on Retinal Imaging Simultaneous With Silicone Removal Surgery

Abstract

Purpose: To assess pathologies which may be seen during silicone removal and additional surgical procedure in patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) using silicone oil as intraocular tamponade due to rhegmatogenous or tractional retinal detachment. Material and Method: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent silicone oil removal and data regarding age, gender, best- corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, lens status, duration of silicone retention in eye, additional pathologies during silicone removal and additional surgical procedures were recorded. All data were extracted from baseline examination and visits after PPV and silicone removal. Results: The study included 60 eyes of 60 patients (25 women, 35 men). Mean age was 59.6 ±11.6 years (19-83 years). Mean best-corrected visual acuity was 0.091±0.231 before surgery (pre-PPV) whereas 0.049±0.092 before silicone oil removal (post-PPV) and 0.134 ±0.229 after silicone oil removal. Mean intraocular pressure was 14.58±5.24 mmHg before surgery whereas 15.56 ±4.86 mmHg before silicone oil removal and 13.16 ±5.32 mmHg after silicone oil removal. Mean time to silicone oil removal was 4.48 ±4.10 months (2-24). In the same session, epiretinal membrane and internal limiting membrane peeling was performed in 21 patients (35.0%) whereas vitreous clearance in 11 patients (18.3%) after silicone oil removal. As retinal detachment was detected after silicone removal, detachment surgery was performed in 16 patients (26.7%) whereas additional laser photocoagulation in 16 patients (26.7%) in the same session. In final control visit, it was seen that retinal attachment was achieved in 55 of 60 patients (91.7%). Discussion: An additional pathology was detected in the majority of patients following silicone oil removal. Thus, the retina must be assessed using wide-angle imaging systems during silicone oil removal and required interventions should be performed in the retina same session for cost-effectiveness.