Iridocyclectomy technique and results.

The technique and results of 30 iridocyclectomies performed by the senior author are reviewed. Although the total number of cases is small for statistical purposes, its main value is that all the operations were performed by one surgeon, which means a uniform criteria for the indications, surgical technique, management of complications, immediate and postoperative decisions, follow-up control, and direct discussion of the histopathology with the pathologist. Three techniques were used: (1) routine excision only of uveal tissue in 15 cases, (2) cyclectomy, ie, plus excision of deep scleral wall in four cases, and (3) block excisions of cornea, sclera, affected iris, and ciliary body followed by a reconstructive penetrating graft in 11 cases. Twenty-one cases were melanocytoma; one, metastatic tumor; one, nevus; two, cysts; and three, foreign body granulomas. Prognostic features such as cell type, largest diameter above 10 mm, tumor thickness, tumor at edge, iris or ciliary body origin, location, and preoperative glaucoma are discussed, and some practical conclusions are advanced. The follow-up control for 21 melanoma cases in the series is five to ten years or more in 11 cases and up to four years in ten cases. The visual results are also analyzed.