title: The first assistant's role in managing phacoemulsification complications.
abstract: Every surgeon who performs phacoemulsification will encounter complications. Successful management of complications is enhanced by a combination of surgical skill, good judgment, and a well-trained, highly motivated first assistant. The first assistant must have already mastered the names and uses of all instruments and equipment, and will have practiced the eye/hand coordination necessary to work comfortably with microscopes and loupes. A positive attitude and total concentration on the procedure and the surgeon is imperative. A complete understanding of the management of the most common complications will enable the assistant to begin setting the stage to manage a complication during the anticipatory phase.
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Watson
authors.forename: I H
authors.initials: IH
authors.lastname: Fine
mesh_terms: D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000451:nursing*; D009881:Ophthalmic Assistants; D011300:Preoperative Care