[Analysis of phacoemulsification complications during mastering of the method]

Intra-operative and postoperative complications of the first 50 phacoemulsifications were evaluated. The procedures were performed by one, skilled at ECCE surgeon. The phaco-chop technique was carried out in all cases with use of anterior chamber maintainer (ACM).

Eyes for surgery met the requirements: normal comea, presence of red reflex from the fundus and correct lens position. The patients were divided into 2 groups: I group--25 eyes had first surgery, II group--25 eyes had second surgery. On the first day after surgery complications and uncorrected acuity were evaluated.

50 eyes of 48 patients underwent operation. The mean age was 69.4 years 5% eyes had previous surgical record: 4--underwent trabeculectomy, 1--pars plana vitrectomy. The 12 intra-operative complications appeared in 10 eyes (20%): posterior capsule rupture without vitreous loss in 4% and 10% with vitreous loss, Descemet membrane detachment in 4%, iris dialysis in 2%, and persistent iris damage without sphincter disruption in 4%. The 16 postoperative complications concerned 10 eyes (20%): corneal oedema in 20%, transient intra-ocular pressure raise in 8%, hyphaema in 2%, and fibrin exudation in 2%. The majority of complications concerned the I group of eyes. The uncorrected visual acuity was 0.5 or better in 80% of eyes, on the first day after the operation.

The use of ACM made the first steps in phacoemulsification rate during the learning course.