[Posterior pars plana high frequency capsulotomy]

In special forms of complicated secondary cataract, especially after a cataract operation in eyes with proliferative disease and after a cataract operation associated with pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil instillation, surgical capsulotomy must be performed.

We developed a new surgical technique for posterior capsulorhexis via pars plana by using the high-frequency capsulotomy method developed by Klöti. We analyzed 14 consecutive patients undergoing late pars plana capsulotomy using a specially designed instrument for radiofrequency capsulorhexis. The indication for surgical capsulotomy was extreme secondary cataract; in 6 eyes fibrosis was associated with vascularizations.

The high-frequency technique for posterior capsulotomy allowed reliable and precise tissue cutting. The cutting required minimal application of pressure to the capsule, and therefore damage to zonula fibers is minimized. Furthermore, use of the radiofrequency technique permitted hemostatic incision in vascularized membranes by inducing a fine coagulation margin.

Posterior capsulorhexis using radiofrequency offers precise and effective tissue cutting if surgical capsulotomy is necessary.