Combined phacoemulsification and transpupillary drainage of silicone oil: results and complications

Aim - To review retrospectively 74 consecutive cases of combined phacoemuls ification and transpupillary drainage of silicone oil. Methods - Candidate patients for intraocular silicone oil removal and catar act extraction underwent combined phacoemulsification and transpupillary dr ainage of silicone oil through a planned posterior capsulorrhexis and witho ut the use of a pars plana infusion line. Results - The retina remained attached in 59 (79.7%) patients postoperative ly. In this success group, the postoperative visual acuity improved in 42 ( 71.2%) patients. There was no association between age, duration of silicone oil tamponade, preoperative diagnosis, macular status or number and nature of previous surgery, and the incidence of redetachment following silicone oil removal. Conclusion - Combined phacoemulsification and transpupillary drainage of si licone oil is a safe and reliable technique that offers the main advantage of diminished surgical trauma.