25-Gauge Transconjunctival Sutureless Vitrectomy for Vitreous and Retinal/Choroidal Biopsy

Abstract

■ Diagnostic vitreoretinal surgery should be considered when other noninvasive methods of diagnosis have failed to establish a pathoetiologic mechanism. ■ The goals of ocular biopsy should be to acquire microbiological, cytologic, histologic, immunologic and genetic information, with minimum surgical trauma, for modifying and directing medical and surgical treatments. ■ The development of a 25-gauge operating system introduces a new concept in vitreous, retinal and choroidal biopsy. ■ Vitreous, retinal or choroidal biopsy are relatively safe procedures, and the results often change clinical management. ■ 25-gauge procedures induce minimal ocular trauma, decrease the inflammatory response, and may allow faster overall patient recovery.