[Retinal detachment: temporary internal tamponade with silicone oil after vitrectomy. Anatomic and functional results].

Forty-seven patients with retinal detachment treated by vitrectomy and silicone oil injection benefited from semi-premature ablation of the oil: after a mean of 5 months for supple retinal detachments and 6 1/2 months for those associated with vitreoretinal proliferation. Ablation was performed after obtaining a solid chorioretinal scar by cryopexy or endodiathermy, usually combined with laser panphotocoagulation. The technique used for ablation is described. After follow up for from 9 months to 3 1/2 years (mean 18 months) two-thirds of the patients had flat retinas. Recurrences developed usually during the first month. An explanation for these relapses is proposed.