Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
A Novel Technique of Rescuing Capsulorhexis Radial Tear-out using a Cystotome
Published on: January 16, 2011
Outcomes of manual extracapsular versus phacoemulsification cataract extraction by beginner resident surgeons
Landen A Meeks1, Preston H Blomquist, Brian R Sullivan
1From the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Purpose:
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of phacoemulsification cataract extraction and manual extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) performed by beginning resident surgeons.
Setting:
Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Design:
Retrospective cohort study.
Methods:
A review was performed of each resident's series of initial cataract surgery procedures as a late first-year or second-year resident. Data were collected for cases performed over almost a 6-year period during which initially the first primary surgeon cases were ECCE and later, the first primary surgeon cases were phacoemulsification. For each case, the following data were gathered: technique of cataract extraction, laterality, resident, vitreous loss or dropped nucleus, placement of posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL), and need for reoperation within 90 days of surgery.
Results:
Complications occurred in 6 (2.5%) of 244 cases in which phacoemulsification was performed by a beginner resident primary surgeon and in 7 (4.1%) of 172 cases in which ECCE was used (P=.40). Posterior chamber IOLs were placed in all but 2 phacoemulsification cases and 4 ECCE cases (P=.24). Moreover, 3 cases in the phacoemulsification group and 1 case in the ECCE group required a reoperation within 90 days (P=.65).
Conclusion:
Phacoemulsification cataract extraction can be taught safely and effectively to residents with no cataract surgery experience as a primary surgeon.
