{"title":"A 27-Gauge Light Pipe-Assisted Modified Kebab Technique for Safe Retrieval of a Dropped Lens Nucleus: A Case Report.","authors":"Sho Yokoyama","doi":"10.1159/000550900","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Management of dropped lens nuclei can be challenging, and several approaches have been reported, including perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) flotation and the kebab technique with intraocular diathermy. However, these approaches require dedicated instruments and may involve risks such as residual PFCL retention, thermal injury, or increased cost. This study presents a case of modified kebab technique using a 27-gauge illuminated light pipe to safely retrieve a dropped lens nucleus, without requiring the use of PFCL or diathermy.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A patient who experienced a posterior capsule rupture with a dropped nucleus during cataract surgery subsequently underwent pars plana vitrectomy using a 27-gauge three-port system on the following day. After core vitrectomy and removal of the vitreous surrounding the dropped nucleus, the nucleus was gently brought closer using suction from the vitreous cutter. The tip of the 27-gauge light pipe was inserted into the nucleus, advanced to fully penetrate it, and used to establish firm fixation. The nucleus was then elevated into the anterior chamber and removed via phacoemulsification while being rotated. Postoperatively, no complications were observed, and the patient's visual acuity improved from 20/100 (logMAR 0.7) to 20/20 (logMAR 0.0) at 1 month after surgery.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This modified kebab technique using a 27-gauge illuminated light pipe allows nucleus fixation and retrieval in selected cases, without the routine use of PFCL or diathermy. This simple technique may serve as a practical salvage option, particularly when dedicated instruments are unavailable.</p>","PeriodicalId":9635,"journal":{"name":"Case Reports in Ophthalmology","volume":"17 1","pages":"248-253"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6000,"publicationDate":"2026-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13002234/pdf/","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Case Reports in Ophthalmology","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000550900","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"2026/1/1 0:00:00","PubModel":"eCollection","JCR":"Q4","JCRName":"OPHTHALMOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction: Management of dropped lens nuclei can be challenging, and several approaches have been reported, including perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) flotation and the kebab technique with intraocular diathermy. However, these approaches require dedicated instruments and may involve risks such as residual PFCL retention, thermal injury, or increased cost. This study presents a case of modified kebab technique using a 27-gauge illuminated light pipe to safely retrieve a dropped lens nucleus, without requiring the use of PFCL or diathermy.
Case presentation: A patient who experienced a posterior capsule rupture with a dropped nucleus during cataract surgery subsequently underwent pars plana vitrectomy using a 27-gauge three-port system on the following day. After core vitrectomy and removal of the vitreous surrounding the dropped nucleus, the nucleus was gently brought closer using suction from the vitreous cutter. The tip of the 27-gauge light pipe was inserted into the nucleus, advanced to fully penetrate it, and used to establish firm fixation. The nucleus was then elevated into the anterior chamber and removed via phacoemulsification while being rotated. Postoperatively, no complications were observed, and the patient's visual acuity improved from 20/100 (logMAR 0.7) to 20/20 (logMAR 0.0) at 1 month after surgery.
Conclusion: This modified kebab technique using a 27-gauge illuminated light pipe allows nucleus fixation and retrieval in selected cases, without the routine use of PFCL or diathermy. This simple technique may serve as a practical salvage option, particularly when dedicated instruments are unavailable.
期刊介绍：
This peer-reviewed online-only journal publishes original case reports covering the entire spectrum of ophthalmology, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, toxicities of therapy, supportive care, quality-of-life, and survivorship issues. The submission of negative results is strongly encouraged. The journal will also accept case reports dealing with the use of novel technologies, both in the arena of diagnosis and treatment. Supplementary material is welcomed. The intent of the journal is to provide clinicians and researchers with a tool to disseminate their personal experiences to a wider public as well as to review interesting cases encountered by colleagues all over the world. Universally used terms can be searched across the entire growing collection of case reports, further facilitating the retrieval of specific information. Following the open access principle, the entire contents can be retrieved at no charge, guaranteeing easy access to this valuable source of anecdotal information at all times.
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