Surgeon-controlled–endoillumination-guided irrigation and aspiration during combined 23-gauge sutureless vitrectomy and cataract surgery in eyes with poor fundus reflex

• Published in: Journal of cataract and refractive surgery Vol. 36; no. 12; pp. 2028 - 2031
• Main Authors: Kim, Kyun-Hyung, MD, Sohn, Hee Jin, MD, Song, Hyun Jai, MD, Lee, Dae Young, MD, Nam, Dong Heun, MD, PhD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01.12.2010; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biological and medical sciences; Cataract - complications; Drainage - methods; Humans; Lens diseases; Lighting; Medical sciences; Microsurgery - methods; Middle Aged; Ophthalmology; Phacoemulsification - methods; Reflex, Pupillary; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Surgery of the eye and orbit; Suture Techniques; Therapeutic Irrigation - methods; Vitrectomy - methods; Vitreous Hemorrhage - complications; Young Adult; Reflex; Irrigation; Cataract; Aspiration; Surgeon; Fundus of the eye; Guidance; Eye; Eye disease; Lens disease; Treatment; Surgery; Vitrectomy; Ophthalmology; Anterior segment disease
• ISSN: 0886-3350; 1873-4502
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2010.10.004

We describe a surgeon-controlled−endoillumination-guided irrigation and aspiration (I/A) technique that can be used to polish the posterior capsule during combined 23-gauge sutureless vitrectomy and cataract surgery in eyes with a poor red fundus reflex. In a dark room with the microscope light turned off, the surgeon holds and controls a 23-gauge endoilluminator with the left hand to achieve better retroillumination during I/A. Using surgeon-controlled endoillumination, it is possible to follow and guide the posterior capsule area undergoing I/A. The excellent visibility of the posterior capsule facilitates posterior capsule polishing with no intraoperative complications. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.