Perfluorocarbon Liquid-Silicone Oil Exchange: The Simplicity and Reliability of the Single Port Technique and a Review of Literature

Purpose: To report the “Single Port Technique” for perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL)-silicone oil (SO) exchange for the management of giant retinal tear detachments (GRTD). Methods: The previously reported techniques of direct PFCL-SO exchange used 2 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 PFCL, 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 silicone oil injection through a single port without the need for assistance. This method has been performed by the authors on 29 patients, including 22 GRTD 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. Conclusion: The Single Port Technique for PFCL-SO exchange for the management of GRTD 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.