Jehn-Yu Huang1, Chung-May Yang. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Heavy oil formation was found in the subretinal space in three patients with repeated vitreoretinal surgery. CASES: These patients had received perfluorocarbon liquid (PFL) and silicone oil injection for retinal detachment in a previous surgery. OBSERVATIONS: A transparent "heavy density" oil bubble was found in the subretinal space in these patients. The heavy oil bubble was eventually removed by manual aspiration with a blunt-tipped 21-gauge needle. The retinas were reattached in all three cases. CONCLUSIONS: Silicone oil may mix with incompletely removed PFL to form heavy oil. During reoperation for persistent retinal detachment, these substances should be specifically sought and removed.
BACKGROUND:Heavy oil formation was found in the subretinal space in three patients with repeated vitreoretinal surgery. CASES: These patients had received perfluorocarbon liquid (PFL) and silicone oil injection for retinal detachment in a previous surgery. OBSERVATIONS: A transparent "heavy density" oil bubble was found in the subretinal space in these patients. The heavy oil bubble was eventually removed by manual aspiration with a blunt-tipped 21-gauge needle. The retinas were reattached in all three cases. CONCLUSIONS:Silicone oil may mix with incompletely removed PFL to form heavy oil. During reoperation for persistent retinal detachment, these substances should be specifically sought and removed.