Intraoperative breakage of 20-gauge Tano forceps

PURPOSE: To report three cases with breakage of a 20-gauge kryptonite forceps during vitreoretinal surgery. DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: Pars plana vitrectomy that included a membrane peeling was performed in three patients through standard ports with 20-gauge vitrectomy systems. The peeling procedure was attempted with the end-gripping kryptonite forceps. RESULTS: Intraoperatively, the branch/tip broke and dropped onto the posterior pole. Removal of the broken part was uncomplicated, and the subsequent clinical course was unremarkable. In one case, the handle and branch/tip part were exchanged inadvertently. In the other two cases, neither an exchange nor a maladaptation of the parts was noted. CONCLUSION: An exchange of the hand piece and gripping end may increase the risk of breakage and retinal damage. The delicate gripping tips, however, may break because of inadequate maintenance and/or aging of the material. Intraoperative visual and functional examination is recommended before intraocular use.