Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Implantation Protocol of the Foldable Capsular Vitreous Body for Complex Vitreoretinal Surgery
Published on: April 14, 2026
Systemic absorption of 5-fluorouracil during vitrectomy
Onne Creten1, Werner Spileers, Peter Stalmans
1Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Purpose:
The aim of this study is to determine if systemic absorption is present after 5-fluorouracil (5FU) is used in the vitrectomy infusion.
Design:
A two-case clinical study.
Methods:
A catabolite of 5FU, alpha-fluoro-beta-alanine (FBAL), was measured in urine samples of two patients who underwent vitrectomy using 5FU in the infusion fluid.
Results:
In both patients, FBAL was found in the urine samples collected up to 48 hours after the surgery, although in significantly different concentrations.
Conclusions:
The use of 5FU in the vitrectomy infusion fluid to prevent the formation of proliferative vitreoretinopathy may lead to significant general absorption and may be avoided in children and young adults.
