23-gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy for posterior segment intraocular foreign bodies

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study is a report of the outcomes of 23-gauge (G) transconjunctival vitrectomy (TV) performed to treat a posterior segment intraocular foreign body (IOFB). METHODS: The data of 14 eyes of 14 patients who underwent 23-G TV for the removal of a posterior segment IOFB were reviewed in this study. Surgery was initiated with a 23-G system in each case and the posterior segment IOFB was removed through the enlarged sclerotomy site. All of the patients were male. The mean age of the patients was 36.6±11.0 years. RESULTS: The foreign body (FB) was located in the vitreous in 11 eyes and in the retina in 3 eyes. Before the 23-G TV, complicated cataract was detected in 6 eyes, vitreous hemorrhage was detected in 5 eyes, and retinal detachment was detected in 1 eye. The size of the FB ranged from 3 mm to 7 mm; 12 of the FBs were metallic and 2 were glass. Silicone oil was used as a tamponade agent in 5 eyes and gas tamponade (C3F8) was used in 4 eyes. The mean follow-up time was 8.15±2.9 months. At the last examination, of the 14 eyes included in the study, the visual acuity (VA) was 0.1 or better in 10 eyes and less than 0.1 in 4 eyes because 2 eyes had perimacular scar, 1 eye had massive sub-epiretinal membrane and 1 eye had retinal re-detachment. CONCLUSION: 23-G TV is seen as an effective and minimally invasive technique to remove posterior segment IOFBs.