Suture Derived Foreign Bodies in Ophthalmic Surgery

Abstract

Usually swaged end suture attachments to the needles are preferred providing most atraumatic suturing possible. However, we report on the possible release of foreign material from sutures whilst performing penetrating glaucoma surgery (trabeculectomy). In this surgery any release of foreign material would have imposed a significant risk on the success of surgery and the health of the eye. The foreign bodies were less than 100 μm in size and very difficult to see without the microscope. As we consider these incidents potentially hazardous but easily avoidable, we urge our fellow surgeons, to carefully examine the surgical tools and sutures carefully prior and after surgery. The key sign of a faulty suture attachment is an enhanced resistance when pulling the needle through the tissue such as the sclera. The additional force exerted to pull the needle through is enough to deliberate foreign material. Any foreign body left behind in the wound has the potential to put the success of any surgery at risk. Citation: Gysbert -Botho van Setten (2019) Suture Derived Foreign Bodies in Ophthalmic Surgery. J Ophthalmic Surg 2(1):13-15 gB van Setten. J Ophthalmic Surg 2019, 2(1):13-15 Open Access | Page 14 | use. Alerted by the previous incident the needle and suture were inspected under the microscope. Here, at the end of the needle there where the suture had come off a similar pearl was discovered (Figure 3).