[Phacoemulsification by the anterior approach combined with vitreoretinal surgery]

Phacoemulsification was combined with vitreoretinal surgery in 22 cases in which lens opacity prevented good visualisation of the fundus. The main indications were proliferative diabetic retinopathy and retinal detachment complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Phacoemulsification was achieved by a limbal approach. The technique was adapted to the hardness of the lens nucleus. The incision was temporarily or definitely closed. The visualisation system was set up and the endocular surgery performed. In 5 cases an implantation in the bag was realised at the end of surgery. This type of combined procedure offers both the benefits of extra capsular surgery: avoids neovascular glaucoma in diabetic patients, keeps silicone oil in good position, possible implantation in the capsular bag, and those of a small incision: absence of leakage, of myosis, of corneal clouding, rapid rehabilitation.