A simple modification to the 25-gauge trocar and cannula system for retinopathy of prematurity related lens-sparing vitrectomy

BACKGROUND: Recently, 25-gauge vitrectomy has become more popular. However, most still perform the surgery in pediatric patients without the use of the trocars and cannulas as in adult vitrectomies. METHODS: We described a simple modification using adult 25-gauge cannulas and 270-silicone watzke sleeves, enabling these instruments to be used in pediatric cases. The sleeve is cut into segments of 2 mm in length, and then introduced up the shaft of the 25-gauge trocar. One is introduced first, and a second one is introduced on top of the first one. This secures the two sleeves on the shaft of the trocar, such that they act as a spacer. The effective shaft of the trocar was then reduced to 2 mm in length. RESULTS: This method enabled successful surgery in two cases. CONCLUSIONS: This allows the adaptation of the standard 25-gauge system for pediatric cases with only the slightest modification needed. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12886-016-0214-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.