[Indications for vitrectomy in the extraction of intraocular foreign bodies]

Vitrectomy represents an important advance for the extraction of intra-ocular foreign bodies, a study of 20 cases emphasizing the advantages of the method. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed using Klöti's vitreous stripper; intra-ocular foreign bodies were extracted through the pars plana incision by a magnet or with forceps. The main indications of the technique are: posterior pole foreign bodies; old embedded metallic foreign bodies; foreign bodies with complications (traumatic cataract, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment); non-magnetic oxidizable foreign bodies: these must be extracted under visual control with vitrectomy techniques, but complications and failure remain common. This technique also has its limits: extraction of non-oxidizable non-magnetic foreign bodies; foreign bodies attached to the ocular globe wall. These are preferably left in place. Vitreoretinal complications were the main reasons for failure in this study. Nevertheless, vitrectomy allows clearing of cloudy media, visualization, localization and extraction of foreign bodies under visual control through the pars plana, and reduction of complications.