Use of silicone oil in the treatment of complicated retinal detachment: results from 1981 to 1994.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the retention and removal of silicone oil in the treatment of complicated retinal detachments.


METHODS
The records of 344 patients (348 eyes) that underwent vitrectomy and silicone oil injection for complicated retinal detachments were abstracted and analysed. The anatomical and functional results, complications and influencing factors are discussed. The outcome in eyes after removal of the silicone oil was compared with the outcome in a comparable group of eyes in which the silicone oil was retained.


RESULTS
The overall retinal reattachment rate was 63% (220/348). The final vision of 5/300 or better was 52% (115/220) in those eyes with totally attached retinas. The silicone oil-related complications included keratopathy (23%) and secondary glaucoma (11%). Comparing removal of silicone oil with retention of silicone oil, we found: (i) there was no statistical difference in the redetachment rate (19 vs 17%); (ii) oil-removed eyes had a better final vision (P < 0.05); and (ii) keratopathy (13 vs 23%), secondary glaucoma (11 vs 25%) and optic nerve atrophy (4 vs 18%) were significantly lower in oil-removed eyes.


CONCLUSIONS
Silicone oil injection is useful in the treatment of complicated retinal detachments. For reducing the incidence of complications, early removal of silicone oil is recommended in those cases in which the retina is attached, all breaks adequately closed and traction relieved.
Han
L
L
Department of Ophthalmology, The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Cairns
J D
JD
Campbell
W G
WG
McCombe
M F
MF
Heriot
W J
WJ
Heinze
J B
JB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012008:Recurrence; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012827:Silicone Oils / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014821:Vitrectomy
D012827:Silicone Oils