Pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil in the management of combined rhegmatogenous retinal and choroidal detachment

Purpose Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment combined with spontaneous pre-operative choroidal detachment (RDCD) represents a rare but specific entity, which has in the past been associated with a poor prognosis. This study was designed to determine the efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil injection in the management of this very difficult vitreoretinal problem. Methods A retrospective analysis was carried out of 13 eyes of 13 consecutive patients who underwent vitrectomy and silicone oil exchange. Results In a total of 10 eyes (77%) the first procedure produced anatomical success. Two eyes required a further procedure to achieve retinal reattachment, producing a final anatomical success rate of 92%. Conclusion Pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil exchange is an effective technique for managing RDCD.