PERFLUOROCARBON LIQUID-SILICONE OIL EXCHANGE: THE SIMPLICITY AND RELIABILITY OF THE SINGLE-PORT TECHNIQUE AND A REVIEW OF LITERATURE.

Objective: The aim of this study was to report the "Single Port Technique" for perfluorocarbon liquid-silicone oil (SO) exchange for the management of giant retinal tear detachments.

Methods: The previously reported techniques of direct perfluorocarbon liquid-SO exchange used two ports to achieve the influx and outflux of fluid. The term "Single Port" refers to the use of only one port as the exclusive port for the inflow of SO and the outflow of fluid meniscus and perfluorocarbon liquid, performed alternately. This technique is proposed, with illustrated instructions and a surgical video.

Results: The newly proposed "Single Port Technique" offers a straightforward step using a switch between active aspiration by the vitreous cutter and active SO injection through a single port without the need for assistance. This method has been performed by the authors on 29 patients, including 22 giant retinal tear detachment patients and 7 patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment caused by dialysis, and it has demonstrated its simplicity and reliability for use with only standard vitrectomy tools and machine settings.

Conclusions: The single-port technique for perfluorocarbon liquid-SO exchange for the management of giant retinal tear detachment and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment caused by dialysis has been tried and tested, and it is a valuable tool that can be easily used by any vitreoretinal surgeon.