The nuclear cracking technique for the beginning phaco surgeon.
Phacoemulsification has become the procedure of choice for many ophthalmologists. Corneal trauma with subsequent corneal edema and rupture of the posterior capsule with vitreous loss are the feared complications. Although the incidence of the major complications is low the visual out-come can be disappointing. I reviewed my first 150 phaco patients in whom I performed Shepherd's cracking technique. Transient corneal edema occurred in 6 patients. Rupture of the posterior capsule occurred in 3 cases and partial zonular dialysis in 1 case; vitreous loss was present in all 4 patients and could be managed adequately by vitrectomy without adverse effect on visual acuity.
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Breusegem
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000379:methods*; D015715:Corneal Edema / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000293:injuries; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000209:etiology; D012421:Rupture