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Br J Ophthalmol 2005;89:946-949 doi:10.1136/bjo.2004.062653
  • Clinical science
    • Scientific reports

The Finger iridectomy technique: small incision biopsy of anterior segment tumours

  1. P T Finger1,2,3,
  2. P Latkany2,3,
  3. M Kurli1,2,
  4. C Iacob2
  1. 1The New York Eye Cancer Center, New York, USA
  2. 2The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, New York, USA
  3. 3New York University School of Medicine, New York, USA
  1. Correspondence to: Paul T Finger MD, FACS, The New York Eye Cancer Center,115 East 61st Street, New York City, NY 10021, USA; pfingereyecancer.com
  • Accepted 1 January 2005

Abstract

Aims: To develop a minimally invasive, maximally effective method to biopsy anterior segment tumours.

Methods: A 25 gauge aspiration cutter (vitrector) was used to biopsy anterior segment tumours. The probe was introduced under sodium hyaluronate 1% and through a 1 mm incision. Aspiration (600 mm Hg) cutting (300 cpm) was performed to obtain specimens for cytology and histopathology.

Results: Diagnostic material was obtained in nine of 10 (90%) cases. Diagnoses included iris naevus, iris stroma, malignant melanoma, melanocytoma, epithelial inclusion cyst, and sarcoid granuloma. All corneal wounds were self sealing. One patient developed a transient postoperative increase in intraocular pressure. Within the follow up of this study, no patients suffered intraocular haemorrhage, infection, cataract or vision loss.

Conclusion: The Finger iridectomy technique was a minimally invasive and very effective biopsy technique. Aspiration cutting yielded relatively large pieces of tissue (and cells) used for cytopathological and histopathological evaluation. Small incision surgery allowed for rapid rehabilitation and no significant complications.

Footnotes

  • Supported by The EyeCare Foundation, Research to Prevent Blindness, and The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary Research Fund, New York City, New York, USA.

  • The authors have no proprietary interest in the equipment used in this study.

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