Senior resident phacoemulsification learning curve (corrected from cure)

To analyse the outcomes of surgeries performed by senior residents during the learning curve related to intraoperative complications and staff interventions.

Prospective study of phacoemulsification surgeries performed by senior residents (3rd year) in the first three months of experience with this technique at the HC FMUSP. Intraoperative complications and requirement of staff interventions were measured.

261 surgeries were included. 30 cases of intraoperative complications were noted (11.54%). Major complications, that could affect surgical final results, as posterior capsule rupture and vitreous loss, had an incidence rate of 8.05% and 6.13%, respectively. Surgery was converted to cataract extracapsular extraction in 3 cases and 2 cases required pars plana posterior vitrectomy. Staff intervention was required in 11 cases (4.22%), most of them on the first 40 surgeries.

With proper training and supervision, senior residents can achieve an acceptable complication rate. Adequate supervision is crucial to guarantee, good surgical outcomes, specially on the first 40 cases, that presents greater complications rates.