Functional and Anatomical Results in Silicon Oil Surgery of Posterior Eye Segments

Abstract

Mr. Mester’s introduction has already made you a little familiar with the complex problem which we are concerned with. Only in order to give you an idea of the importance of silicon oil surgery I would, once again, like to point out that approximately 90% of retinal detachments are operable with normal, conventional methods. Speaking of silicon oil or of vitrectomy, we are referring, in most instances, to PVR and other complicated cases of retinal detachment. Now, historically speaking, the situation was that attempts were made even in these complicated retinal detachments to perform cerclage operations, i. e., using conventional methods. The success rate was close to nil. But there are more recent papers occasionally reporting a success rate of 10 to 30%. That is, of course, too little in the long run. Vitreous surgery has always regarded PVR as a challenge: the test techniques, concepts and surgeons have to pass.