20G Vitrectomy; Current Usage, Indications, and Practices

Abstract

Vitreoretinal surgery is evolving to a smaller size since first described. After the first vitrectomy probe defined as 17 Gauge (G), a smaller gauge (20G, 23G, 25G, and 27G) vitrectomy probes and trocars were identified. Even though 20G vitrectomy has been used for many years, thinner and less traumatic vitrectomy systems are developed and 20G has lost popularity. Hybrid use of 20G and other systems remains current, especially in cases such as endophthalmitis, intraocular foreign body removal, and cataract surgery complications.