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

• Published in: British journal of ophthalmology Vol. 89; no. 8; pp. 946 - 949
• Main Authors: Finger, P T, Latkany, P, Kurli, M, Iacob, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMA House, Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9JR BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 01-08-2005; BMJ; BMJ Publishing Group LTD; Copyright 2005 British Journal of Ophthalmology
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anterior Eye Segment; anterior segment; Biological and medical sciences; biopsy; Biopsy - methods; Cancer; Cataracts; ciliary body; Clinical Science - Scientific Reports; cpm; cuts per minute; cytology; Eye Neoplasms - pathology; Female; fine needle aspiration biopsy; Finger iridectomy technique; FIT; FNAB; Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act 1996-US; Humans; Iridectomy - methods; iris; Iris Neoplasms - pathology; Male; Medical sciences; melanoma; Melanoma - pathology; microvitreoretinal; Middle Aged; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures - methods; Miscellaneous; MVR; Ophthalmology; Patients; PCIOL; posterior chamber intraocular lens; sarcoid; Sodium; Tumors; Wound Healing; Incision; Biopsy; Finger; Tumor; Ophthalmology; Technique; Anterior segment
• ISSN: 0007-1161; 1468-2079
• DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2004.062653

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.