Abstract
Purpose: :
To analyze the outcomes of the first 100 phacoemulsification surgeries performed by residents and to identify risk factors for intraoperative complications.
Methods: :
Retrospective chart review of the first 100 performed phacoemulsification cases of four consecutive residents at the Department of Ophthalmology, Regensburg University Medical Center, Regensburg, Germany.
Results: :
A total of 400 cases was analyzed. Posterior capsule rupture with vitreous loss was observed in 18 cases (4.5%). In 8/18 cases with vitreous loss a dropped nucleus had to be removed by pars plana vitrectomy. Risk factors for posterior capsule rupture were mature 4+ nuclear sclerotic cataracts (6/18), pseudoexfoliation syndrome (2/18), shallow anterior chamber in hypermetropia (3/18) posterior synechia (1/18), and zonular pathology (1/18). In 1.25% posterior capsule rupture with vitreous loss occurred in eyes without risk factors. An intraocular lens was implanted in all 400 cases during surgery. In 9.25% the intraocular lens was implanted in the sulcus.
Conclusions: :
Residents performing phacoemulsification surgery achieved a low overall rate of major complications in eyes without risk factors. However, phacoemulsifications in cataracts with specific features, such as mature nuclei and zonular pathology should be performed by more experienced surgeons.
Keywords: treatment outcomes of cataract surgery • cataract