Intraoperative breakage of a disposable 23-gauge trocar tip.
OBJECTIVE
To report breakage of the tip of a 23-gauge trocar system during pars plana vitrectomy.


METHODS
Retrospective single case report.


RESULTS
A 56-year-old man was undergoing pars plana vitrectomy for vitreous hemorrhage using a 23-gauge 1-step trocar/cannula entry system. After placement of the first cannula and upon withdrawing the trocar from the sclera, we noted that the tip had broken. We switched to another brand and completed the surgery without complication. Inspection of the fundus and plain radiography showed no intraocular foreign body, and the patient had an uncomplicated recovery.


CONCLUSIONS
Vitreoretinal surgeons should be aware of the possibility of intraoperative breakage of the 23-gauge trocar tip after creation of the scleral tunnel.
Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
Joshua D
JD
Udoetuk
Golnaz
G
Javey
Petros E
PE
Carvounis