Purpose: The authors examined the differences between silicone oil and other vitreous tamponades or placebo in performing pars plana vitrectomy.
Methods: This review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Seven databases and the reference lists of the retrieved randomized controlled trial articles were searched to identify eligible studies. The primary outcomes were the rate of redetachment after endotamponade removal, the rate of reoperation, and poor visual acuity. The secondary outcomes were adverse events and quality of life related to postoperative position.
Results: Ten articles (12 trials) were included. There were no significant differences between silicone oil and other agents in most of the primary and second outcomes. Only the risk of hypotony was found to be significantly lower when filling with silicone oil, compared with other agents. No trial reported the quality of life related to postoperative position.
Conclusion: Based on the available studies, the authors conclude that there is no significant difference in the risk of poor outcomes between pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil and that with other vitreous tamponades with different surgical histories.