Massive Silicone Oil Migration into the Subconjunctival Space: A Leakage Mechanism Dilemma

• Published in: Case reports in ophthalmology Vol. 9; no. 2; pp. 310 - 314
• Main Authors: Téllez, Jesús, Vela, José I, Luna, Sabina, Delgado, Rubén
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 01.05.2018
• ISSN: 1663-2699; 1663-2699
• DOI: 10.1159/000487982

PURPOSETo report a case in which an early, massive silicone oil migration into the subconjunctival space occurred in a patient after sutureless vitrectomy with the presence of a previously implanted pars plana glaucoma drainage device. CASE REPORTAn 80-year-old man presented with neovascular glaucoma secondary to a proliferative diabetic retinopathy in his left eye. After an intracamerular bevacizumab injection and panretinal photocoagulation, a 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with a superotemporal Ahmed pars plana glaucoma valve implantation was performed. Afterwards, the patient underwent a new 23-gauge PPV for a dense vitreous hemorrhage. Intravitreal 1,000 centistokes silicone oil was placed to prevent recurrent intraocular bleeding. No sutures were performed. In the first postoperative month, a massive migration of silicone oil into the 360° subconjunctival space was noted until no intraocular silicone oil was observed. CONCLUSIONSWe discuss the possible leakage mechanisms in this particular case.