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

¹ The New York Eye Cancer Center, New York, USA
² The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, New York, USA
³ New York University School of Medicine, New York, USA

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Paul T Finger
MD, FACS, The New York Eye Cancer Center,115 East 61st Street, New York City, NY 10021, USA; pfinger{at}eyecancer.com

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.

Abbreviations: cpm, cuts per minute; FIT, Finger iridectomy technique; FNAB, fine needle aspiration biopsy; MVR, microvitreoretinal; PCIOL, posterior chamber intraocular lens

Keywords: iris; biopsy; cytology; fine needle aspiration biopsy; melanoma; sarcoid; ciliary body; anterior segment

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