The Various Complications Associated with Use of Silicone Oil in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment (RRD) Surgery via Three-Port Vitrectomy (3PV): A Retrospective Study at the Ophthalmology Center of Abass Ndao Hospital

Introduction: RRD (Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment) is a separation between the neuroepithelium and the pigment epithelium due to the passage of fluid through a retinal dehiscence. It constitutes a major ophthalmologic emergency. Its management is primarily surgical, either through external or internal approaches, with tamponade using gas or silicone oil. The purpose of this study was to report the various complications associated with the use of silicone oil in vitreoretinal surgery. Patients et methods: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study from October 1, 2020, to October 31, 2023, which included all patients who underwent surgery for RRD using three-port vitrectomy (3PV) with tamponade using 1000 centistoke silicone oil (Group 1) and 5000 centistoke silicone oil (Group 2). All patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination and were operated on by the same surgeon. Data analysis was performed using Excel software. Results: Overall, 31 patient files representing 33 eyes were collected, with a mean age of 48.83 years and a sex ratio of 4.16. Group 1 consisted of 16 eyes (48.48%), and Group 2 consisted of 17 eyes (51.51%). The different complications observed were cataracts in all phakic subjects, accounting for 57.57%; ocular hypertonia in 69.69% (27.27% in Group 1; 42.42% in Group 2); anterior chamber silicone oil migration in 24.24% (9.09% in Group 1; 15.15% in Group 2); recurrence of retinal detachment in 21.21% (6.06% in Group 1; 15.15% in Group 2); and silicone oil emulsification in 24.24% (15.15% in Group 1; 9.09% in Group 2). Additionally, there was one case of corneal degeneration in Group 1. Conclusion: Silicone oil is an effective tamponade agent used in the treatment of retinal detachments. Close patient follow-up is necessary due to the complications associated with its use, which can occur either early or late after surgery.