Silicone oil tamponade
Use of silicone oil as a long-term vitreous substitute to maintain retinal attachment after complex retinal surgery.
Full Definition
Silicone oil tamponade involves the injection of purified silicone oil into the vitreous cavity to provide prolonged internal tamponade for complex retinal detachments. The oil acts as a mechanical barrier, keeping the retina attached while healing occurs. Silicone oil is particularly useful in cases of proliferative vitreoretinopathy, giant retinal tears, or trauma-related detachments where gas tamponade may be insufficient. The oil is typically removed 3-6 months postoperatively, though some patients may require permanent tamponade. Complications include cataract formation, glaucoma, keratopathy, and emulsification of the oil. Patient positioning is less critical compared to gas tamponade due to the oil's specific gravity.
Usage
Usage note: Should specify the viscosity (1000 or 5000 centistokes) and removal timeline in surgical planning documents.
In Context
- "Silicone oil tamponade was selected due to the patient's inability to maintain prone positioning." — Surgical decision-making
- "The silicone oil showed early signs of emulsification at the six-month follow-up visit." — Postoperative assessment