Modified manual small incision cataract surgery technique for phacoemulsification-trained surgeons

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Cataract surgery is a common procedure to restore vision.
• Phacoemulsification is a prevalent technique, but manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) offers advantages in certain settings.
• Training phacoemulsification surgeons in MSICS requires effective transitional methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a modified manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) technique.
• To evaluate the outcomes of this modified MSICS technique for surgeons transitioning from phacoemulsification.
• To assess the safety and visual outcomes of the modified MSICS in a learning environment.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, single-center comparative study was conducted.
• The modified MSICS technique involved a phaco-like main wound creation.
• Surgeries were performed by senior and junior phaco-trained surgeons on patients with visually significant cataracts.

Main Results:

• 132 cases were analyzed, performed by senior (77.3%) and junior (22.7%) surgeons.
• Postoperative visual outcomes at 1 month were comparable between senior and junior surgeons (p=0.17).
• No major intraoperative complications like posterior capsular rupture or zonular dialysis were reported.

Conclusions:

• The modified MSICS technique serves as an effective transitional tool for phacoemulsification surgeons.
• The technique demonstrates good visual outcomes and a favorable safety profile.
• This approach facilitates skill acquisition in manual small incision cataract surgery.