Complication rates in phacoemulsification surgeries performed by trainee residents

Abstract

Objectives: Phacoemulsification with a foldable intraocular lens is the gold standard of cataract treatment. Studies have shown that various risk factors affect the visual outcome of cataract surgery. One of these is the availability of well-trained surgeons. Here, we are trying to understand how to achieve good surgical outcomes even if the surgeon has low surgical experience. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based prospective study was done from August 2019 to March 2021. After a detailed examination, each patient was scored based on the risk factors associated and classified into various risk groups. A total of 286 patients were studied, out of which consultants operated on 143 patients and 143 patients were operated on by trainee residents. The intraoperative and postoperative complication rates are compared based on the complexity of cases between trainee residents and consultants. Results: About 82.5% of the patients operated by trainee residents and 78.32% of patients operated by consultants belonged to the no-risk group with complication rates of 2.50% and 1.80%, respectively, which was statistically not significant. In the case of patients with associated preoperative risk factors, 36% of patients operated on by trainee residents had complications, and 9.6% of patients operated on by consultants had statistically significant complications. Conclusion: Preoperative stratification and allocation of cases according to associated risk factors help reduce complications, help trainee residents gain essential surgical skills, and give better surgical outcomes for patients.