Phacoemulsification Combined with Transpupillary Silicone Oil Removal Through Posterior Continuous Curvilinear Capsulorhexis

ABSTRACT

Silicone oil has been used successfully in vitreoretinal surgery for many years. But complications from the use of silicone oil as a long-acting internal tamponade may develop. They include glaucoma, keratopathy, oil emulsification, and cataract. For patients requiring silicone oil removal and cataract surgery, both operations can be performed in a combined procedure. After phacoemulsification, a posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis(PCCC) is performed, followed by irrigation of balanced salt solution(BSS)into vitreous cavity allowing flow out of silicone oil through the PCCC and intraocular lens(IOL)is implanted into remaining capsular bag. This technique offers faster visual rehabilitation, shorter operation time and reduces the risk of peripheral retinal defect, vitreous hemorrhage that may be caused by traditional oil removal through sclerostomy.