A vitrectomy instrument (10, 100) comprising: a housing (20, 120) comprising: a proximal end; and a distal end (23, 123); a reciprocating cutter (50, 150) comprising: a needle (60, 160) projecting from the distal end of the housing, the needle comprising: a proximal end (61, 161); a distal end (63, 163); a first lumen; and a port (62, 162) disposed at the distal end of the needle, the port providing fluid communication between the exterior of the needle and the first lumen; an inner tube (54, 154) that extends within the first lumen of the needle, the inner tube comprising: a second lumen; and a cutting edge adapted to cut tissue drawn into the port; and a needle stop coupled to the proximal end of the needle and comprising a first contact surface; a cutter stop coupled to the inner tube and comprising a second contact surface, the first contact surface configured to contact the second contact surface limiting distal movement of the inner tube and defining a fully extended position of the inner tube; and a motor operable to reciprocate the inner tube. a housing (20, 120) comprising: a proximal end; and a distal end (23, 123); a proximal end; and a distal end (23, 123); a reciprocating cutter (50, 150) comprising: a needle (60, 160) projecting from the distal end of the housing, the needle comprising: a proximal end (61, 161); a distal end (63, 163); a first lumen; and a port (62, 162) disposed at the distal end of the needle, the port providing fluid communication between the exterior of the needle and the first lumen; an inner tube (54, 154) that extends within the first lumen of the needle, the inner tube comprising: a second lumen; and a cutting edge adapted to cut tissue drawn into the port; and a needle stop coupled to the proximal end of the needle and comprising a first contact surface; a cutter stop coupled to the inner tube and comprising a second contact surface, the first contact surface configured to contact the second contact surface limiting distal movement of the inner tube and defining a fully extended position of the inner tube; and a needle (60, 160) projecting from the distal end of the housing, the needle comprising: a proximal end (61, 161); a distal end (63, 163); a first lumen; and a port (62, 162) disposed at the distal end of the needle, the port providing fluid communication between the exterior of the needle and the first lumen; a proximal end (61, 161); a distal end (63, 163); a first lumen; and a port (62, 162) disposed at the distal end of the needle, the port providing fluid communication between the exterior of the needle and the first lumen; an inner tube (54, 154) that extends within the first lumen of the needle, the inner tube comprising: a second lumen; and a cutting edge adapted to cut tissue drawn into the port; and a second lumen; and a cutting edge adapted to cut tissue drawn into the port; and a needle stop coupled to the proximal end of the needle and comprising a first contact surface; a cutter stop coupled to the inner tube and comprising a second contact surface, the first contact surface configured to contact the second contact surface limiting distal movement of the inner tube and defining a fully extended position of the inner tube; and a motor operable to reciprocate the inner tube.