How to perform a vitreal, retinal or choroidal biopsy? What justifies an invasive technique?

Abstract

SummaryA first question to ask is: what justifies the risk to be invasive? Although the risk profile of biopsy procedures has been reduced due to improvement of the technique, operating on an inflamed eye induces a higher perioperative risk. The technique, results and limitations of a single port vitreous biopsy procedure will be discussed, and compared with the diagnostic outcome after a full vitrectomy. Finally, the approach to obtain a chorioretinal biopsy will be highlighted, including risk profile and management of complications.