AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of silicon oil removal combined with external-route microsurgery in treating of retinal detachment in selected eyes with silicone oil tamponaded.

METHODS: This was a retrospective observational case series. 21 cases(21 eyes)had undergone minimally invasive vitrectomy combined with silicone oil tamponade for various vitreoretinal diseases firstly. Because of retinal detachment recurrent, external-route microsurgery combined with oil extracted was performed between July 2014 and July 2018 secondly. The retinal reattachment rate, visual outcome, intraocular pressure and postoperative complications were investigated.

RESULTS: After 4 to 12(5.48±1.53)mo follow-up period, the retinal reattachment rate was 90%(19/21 cases). Further vitrectomy surgeries were needed for other 2 eyes. The final best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)≥0.4 was in 4 eyes, 0.06-0.3 was in 9 eyes and ≤0.05 was in 8 eyes, which had significant difference contrasted to that of preoperation(t=3.58, P<0.05). Macular epiretinal membrane, second glaucoma and complicated cataracts were found in 1, 2 and 5 eyes respectively. There hadn't other serious complications postoperatively.

CONCLUSION: The external-route microsurgery was also suitable for retinal detachment in silicone oil filled eyes which were PVR≤C₁ and the roles located in the equator region or front even. This way was simple, convenient and effective. The rate of secondary vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade also can be reduced.