Materials and Methods: Ninety-one eyes of 91 patients were studied retrospectively. 23-gauge trocar cannulas were entered from the pars plana in two steps and waited for removal of silicone oil from the trocar cannulas passively. The reason for the primary surgery, preoperative and postoperative visual acuities and intraocular pressures, duration of silicone oil removal, need for peroperative suture, additional surgical procedures, complications and postoperative follow-up time were recorded.

Results: Mean follow-up time was 15.9±6.1 months. 37 eyes (40.6%) were underwent additional operations as phacoemulsification, epiretinal membrane peeling and/or endolaser during surgery. Mean duration of silicone oil removal was 7.1±0.5 minutes. Mean intraocular pressure decreased significantly at all visits postoperatively; and it was measured as 10.9±2.2 mmHg at the first day, 15.9±5.4 mmHg at the first month and 14.9±2.2 mmHg at the 6th month. 26 eyes (28.5%) peroperatively needed at least one suture. Postoperatively, visual acuity increased in 35 eyes (38.4%). Only in one eye postoperative serious hypotonia (intraocular pressure<5 mmHg) was recorded. 6 eyes (6.6%) were reoperated due to the redetachment of the retina after silicone oil removal.

Conclusion: Removal of 1000 cs silicone oil with 23 gauge transconjunctival system is effective, fast, safe and comfortable. Postoperative complications are rare. Keywords : 23 gauge, transconjunctival, passive silicone oil removal