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Cannula detachment during cataract surgery: results of a survey
1Department of Ophthalmology, Birmingham & Midland Eye Centre, Birmingham, UK. pravin1@gmail.com
Objective:
To ascertain whether cannula displacement during cataract surgery with the use of the Luer lock is a common and recognized complication.
Methods:
A questionnaire was sent to attending physicians on the Royal College of Ophthalmologists U.K. register inquiring about episodes of cannula displacement and complications.
Results:
Despite the use of Luer locks, 60 cases of cannula detachment were reported; 196 respondents experienced this complication, and the most common cause of cannula detachment was stromal hydration (50%). Hydrodissection and viscoelastic were experienced by 18% and 17%, respectively. No severe damage resulted in most cases (76 cases), but some serious complications were reported: retinal damage (9%) and vitreous loss (17%).
Conclusions:
We recommend that surgeons test the union carefully themselves and then test the system by squirting outside the eye. Additionally, we recommend that a new cannula be used for each stage of the procedure. The viscoelastic cannula, in particular, should not be used for any other purpose.
