Potential contamination of the G-probe used for transscleral cyclodiode.
OBJECTIVE
To present a case where we noted occult contamination of the G-probe used for transscleral cyclodiode and to critically analyze the techniques used for making a G-probe suitable for repeated use.


METHODS
Close microscopic examination of the G-probes used once for transscleral cyclodiode was done and a critical review of the literature on practice of reuse of the G-probe and the techniques used to "cleanse" the probe before reuse was performed.


RESULTS
We noticed microscopic contamination of the G-probe by the tear film fluid in all the probes examined by us. The review of literature indicates that repeated use of the G-probe is not uncommon. The types of techniques used for making it suitable for repeated use indicate that it is not universally recognized that the lumen of the G-probe can accumulate fluid during the procedure, which makes it potentially hazardous when used for other patients.


CONCLUSIONS
In our opinion the G-probe should not be reused as inadequately reprocessed G-probe can lead to risk of nosocomial infections, serious iatrogenic complications, and medico-legal problems.
Bansal
Atul
A
Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre, City Hospital, Birmingham, UK. bansalatul@yahoo.com
Ramanathan
Uthaya S
US
D000368:Aged; D002924:Ciliary Body / Q000601:surgery*; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D015355:Glaucoma, Neovascular / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor; D008297:Male; D012590:Sclera / Q000601:surgery