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

AIM To review retrospectively 74 consecutive cases of combined phacoemulsification and transpupillary drainage of silicone oil. METHODS Candidate patients for intraocular silicone oil removal and cataract extraction underwent combined phacoemulsification and transpupillary drainage of silicone oil through a planned posterior capsulorrhexis and without the use of a pars plana infusion line. RESULTS The retina remained attached in 59 (79.7%) patients postoperatively. 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 silicone oil is a safe and reliable technique that offers the main advantage of diminished surgical trauma.