Conjunctival epithelium in pars plana vitrectomy specimens.
OBJECTIVE
To review histopathology of vitrectomy specimens obtained during routine pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for evidence of inadvertent introduction of conjunctival epithelium into the vitreous cavity during PPV.


METHODS
Retrospective review of all vitreous specimens obtained from PPV over a 3-year period during which vitreous samples were routinely submitted from routine and diagnostic PPV. Patient charts and operative reports were reviewed, with particular attention to history of postoperative endophthalmitis, and the use of transconjunctival PPV.


RESULTS
A total of 650 specimens were obtained over a 3-year period. Three specimens with conjunctival epithelium were identified. None of these cases resulted in endophthalmitis. Two of these three cases used transconjunctival techniques. In one case all three sclerotomies were made using transconjunctival techniques.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of conjunctiva in the vitreous aspirate from completely transconjunctival PPV indicates that conjunctival epithelium can be inadvertently introduced into the vitreous cavity during PPV. Although none of these cases resulted in endophthalmitis, special care to sterilize the conjunctiva before the creation of transconjunctival sclerotomies is warranted.
Albini
Thomas A
TA
Doheny Retina Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
Evans
Monica
M
Lakhanpal
Rohit R
RR
Javaheri
Michael
M
Rao
Narsing A
NA
Chong
Lawrence P
LP
D000368:Aged; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000473:pathology*; D009877:Endophthalmitis / Q000517:prevention & control; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000601:surgery; D012166:Retinal Hemorrhage / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012599:Sclerostomy; D014821:Vitrectomy; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000473:pathology*; D020255:Vitreous Detachment / Q000601:surgery