Phacoemulsification learning curve in first 500 cases

Abstract

Objectives: Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedure performed around the world. Population ageing is making the need for cataract surgery to rise exponentially around the world. Materials and Methods: The prospective study of intraoperative and post-operative complications of first 500 cases of phacoemulsification done at Biratnagar Eye Hospital under supervision by a single trainee from April 1, 2015, to August 31, 2016, was done. Surgeries were performed under retrobulbar block through sclerocorneal incision in the first 400 cases and clear corneal incision in the last 100 cases using stop and chop technique. Patients with posterior subcapsular cataract and nuclear sclerosis grade 2 were included in the study. Data were recorded of each case’s pre-operative and post-operative complications and best-corrected visual acuity. Results: Overall posterior capsular rupture was the most common intraoperative complication (5.2%) and corneal oedema (10%) was the most common post-operative complication. Conclusion: Rate of complications during the learning phase of phacoemulsification can be minimised by performing surgeries under supervision.