Phacoemulsification practices: A comprehensive analysis of the surgical landscape in Sweden 2021-2022

This cross-sectional survey study aimed to explore the phacoemulsification techniques among Swedish cataract surgeons, and investigate the association between technique preferences and surgical outcomes, particularly posterior capsular rupture (PCR).

A survey questionnaire was responded by 170 cataract surgeons and data from 192 494 cases, linked to the surgeons, were analysed from the Swedish National Cataract Registry (SNCR) for 2021-2022. Surgeons' demographic characteristics, surgical techniques and complications were assessed. Associations between surgical technique preferences and outcomes were analysed with binary logistic regression.

The chopping technique (stop and chop or direct chop) was favoured by 64.6% of surgeons, followed by divide and conquer (32.4%), and tilt and tumble (7.6%). Surgeons' annual caseloads varied widely (range 11-2687). No significant correlation was found between technique preference and PCR rates, which was consistently 0.5%-0.6% in all groups, except for a trend suggesting reduced risk with tilt and tumble. Mentoring activity (35.0%) and public surgical setting (40.3%) was highest in the direct chop group. Notably, 75% of the surgeries were performed by surgeons with more than 10 years' experience. Confounding factors, such as high-volume surgeons having a low frequency of complications, have been accounted for in a logistic regression.

This study provides insights into cataract surgery practices in Sweden and suggests that surgeons can choose their preferred approach without significantly affecting complication rates. This research also underscores the need for continued exploration of surgical practices and their impact on patient outcomes, particularly in the case of the tilt and tumble technique, which is less commonly employed.