Successful removal of large intraocular foreign body by 25-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery

We describe a new technique for removing a large intraocular foreign body by 25-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery (25G-MIVS). Noncomparative interventional case series were performed at a single centre. Two patients with a long smooth intraocular vitreal foreign body underwent phacoemulsification and aspiration, intraocular lens implantation, 25G-MIVS, and extraction of the foreign body. The foreign body was removed through a posterior capsulorhexis, anterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis, and a corneal incision. In both cases, the foreign body was safely removed through the corneal incision, and IOL was implanted and well positioned. The surgical incision did not require suturing. No postoperative complications associated with this technique were found. The corneal endothelial cell density was maintained over 2000 cells/mm(2) in both cases during recent follow-up examinations. Our findings indicate that 25G-MIVS with this technique can be used to extract a long slender smooth foreign body. It is safe, without complications, and can be performed without enlarging the 25-gauge sclerotomy.