Anterior capsulotomy, a crucial step in extracapsular implant surgery, is performed by several methods. All must deal with the inherent capriciousness of the tense anterior capsule and so their precision is questionable. An anterior capsulotomy instrument that uses bipolar radio-frequency endodiathermy is described. The modulated high frequency current enables the surgeon to open the anterior capsule more accurately under controlled conditions.

A concentrate of the volatile flavor of yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) has been prepared. Investigation by gas liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry led to the identification of 165 compounds, 161 of which were not previously found in passion fruit. Some of these substances are new naturally occurring flavor compounds.

The author describes a miniature bipolar diathermy unit which can be used for several microsurgical purposes. It was developed from a standard endodiathermy instrument which has been in use for pars plana vitrectomy since 1973. It features bipolar forceps which can be used for welding conjunctival flaps and macrohemostasis in strabismus, orbital and lid surgery; bipolar electrodes with and without infusion, for extraocular hemostasis and intraocular microhemostasis in the anterior and posterior segments; bipolar electrodes with infusion for special purposes (still at the experimental stage), for capsulotomy of the anterior lens capsule for extracapsular cataract extraction, section of intraocular strands and membranes and sector iridectomy for tumors or rubeosis of the iris.

No abstract

Statistical analysis of 54 eyes with chronical endogenous uveitis, mostly juvenile, treated with simple or combined pars plana vitrectomy. Most striking is the high frequency of localized or combined cyclitis with good functional results, although complications of the disease (retinal detachment, vasculitis, PVR, macular damage) are extremely frequent in cyclitis, and this group also includes, three cases of postoperative phthisis. The best argument in favor of an chronic uveitis is the fact that an overwhelming majority of the patients were able to switch from rigorous systemic preoperative medication to simple eye drops or no treatment at all.