To evaluate the role of bevacizumab injected into the silicone oil at the end of retinal reattachment surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) associated with severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) for prevention of postoperative PVR and compare the results with those without intrasilicone injection.

In this prospective comparative interventional study, eyes with RRD with grade C PVR were included. Standard 20 gauge parsplana vitrectomy, and retinal reattachment was performed. In case group, 1.25 mg bevacizumab was injected into the silicone oil at the end of surgery. The rate of retinal redetachment associated with PVR was assessed.

Thirty-eight eyes of 38 patients (19 cases and 19 controls) with a mean age of 46.6±18.3 years were studied. The two groups were matched for age, sex, preoperative visual acuity, presence of anterior and posterior PVR, extent of PVR and history of previous retinal detachment surgery. Retinal redetachment with PVR occurred in 9 (47.3%) and 7 (36.8%) eyes in case and control groups, respectively (P=0.5). Extensive subretinal fibrous proliferations in addition to preretinal membranes occurred more in the case group (55.5% vs 11.1%). At final visit, visual acuity was similar between the two groups (1.6±0.8 and 1.6±0.6, respectively, P=0.9).

Intra-silicone injection of bevacizumab at the end of vitrectomy for RRD with severe PVR does not eliminate the risk of postoperative PVR.