A modified approach to actively remove high viscosity silicone oil through 23-gauge cannula

AIM:To report a simple approach to actively remove high viscosity silicone oil through a 23-gauge cannula via pars plana.METHODS:Forty-eight eyes of 48 patients underwent silicone oil(5700 centistokes) removal(SOR) were enrolled.A section of blood transfusion set was prepared to connect a standard 23-gauge cannula and vitrectomy machine.Silicone oil was removed with suction of500-mm Hg vacuum through the cannula.Main outcome measures were SOR duration,number of sutured sites,intraocular pressure(IOP),best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),and complications.RESULTS:Silicone oil was successfully removed in all cases.The mean SOR time was 5.70±0.85 min.Nine eyes(18.75%) needed suture partial sclerotomies.No intraoperative complications were noted.Transient hypotony(≤8 mm Hg) was seen in 3 eyes(6.25%) on postoperative day 1,but all resolved within 1wk.Retinal reattachment was achieved in all cases and no other postoperative complications were noted during 3-month following-up.BCVA at the final visit improved or stabilized in all patients comparing to the preoperative level.CONCLUSION:Active removal of high viscosity silicone oil through a 23-gauge instrument cannula jointed with blood transfusion set is a practical and reliable technique when considering two sides of efficacy and safety.