Abstract
Purpose :
To evaluate the efficacy of calibrated side port incision in improving phacoemulsification outcomes.
Methods :
This randomised prospective study was done in 100 patients undergoing phacoemulsification from April-June 2018. Side port was made using a 25 G (0.5 mm) needle. A prototype of the chopper with a uniform shaft & outer diameter of 0.45 mm was developed to fit in the side port. The parameters studied were aspiration time, estimated fluid used, endothelial cell count,CDE, followability of nuclear pieces,ease of manipulation of side port instrument, descemet membrane detachment, pupillary size pre and post phacoemulsification, and sideport incision sealing.
Results :
Proper calibration of instruments with calibrated side port prevented anterior chamber fluctuation during surgery. Enhanced followability of nuclear pieces caused reduced ultrasound time (15.14 ± 3.27 seconds) & estimated fluid usage (15.50 ± 4.15 milliliters).Mean percentage of endothelial cell count (ECC) loss was 9.08 % (mean ECC 2309.18 ± 95.11 cells/mm2 preoperatively & 2099.47 ± 101.52 cells/mm2 3 months postoperatively).Slightly smaller chopper diameter as compared to side port allowed easy manipulation with instruments & prevented wound distortion.Side port was sealed satisfactorily in all cases.There was no billowing of iris observed that prevented iatrogenic pupillary constriction
Conclusions :
Calibrated side port incision and instruments aided in sustained pupillary dilatation by lessening sideport fluid efflux, subjacent iris billowing & iris trauma.It decreased endothelial cell loss by providing stable anterior chamber.CDE was reduced due to Increased followability & decreased aspiration time.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.