title: Vitreous base visualisation through trans-scleral illumination with a standard 25-gauge light probe.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe a technique of vitreous base visualisation through trans-scleral illumination using a standard 25-gauge light probe.
  
  
  METHODS
  All vitrectomies are performed using 25-gauge+ instruments and valved trocars. A non-contact viewing system is used to visualise the retina. After core vitrectomy and the necessary additional procedures, triamcinolone acetonide (Kenacort) is injected in the vitreous cavity. Then, the standard 25-gauge light pipe is covered with a sleeve obtained from a 20-gauge venflon cannula. The light brightness is increased to 100%, and the light probe used to indent the sclera and trans-illuminate the vitreous base. The vitreous cutter is activated between the crystals of triamcinolone acetonide and the retinal surface. Complete vitreous base shaving is carried out for 360°.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Iatrogenic peripheral retinal tears, as a result of vitreous shaving, occurred in 4.1% of cases with this technique.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This method represents a valid and low-cost option to achieve accurate vitreous base shaving.
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, Hagaziekenhuis, , The Hague, The Netherlands.
authors: Giulio
authors: G
authors: Bamonte
authors: Pieter R
authors: PR
authors: van den Biesen
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008029:Lighting / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000517:prevention & control; D012590:Sclera; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery
keywords: Retina; Vitreous