Resident phacoemulsification experience using the in situ nuclear fracture technique.
We retrospectively reviewed all of the 176 phacoemulsification procedures attempted by two third-year residents from July 1, 1991 to June 30, 1992. The in situ nuclear fracture technique was performed in 131 eyes; a nonfracture technique in 45. Overall, the rate of vitreous loss was 4.5% (8 of 176). The rate of vitreous loss associated with the in situ nuclear fracture technique was 3.1% (4 of 135); with the nonfracture technique, 8.9%. We conclude that phacoemulsification can be learned and performed by residents with vitreous loss rates comparable to those reported for extracapsular cataract extraction.
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson.
R J
RJ
Noecker
R W
RW
Allinson
R W
RW
Snyder
D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D007907:Lens Nucleus, Crystalline / Q000601:surgery*; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000473:pathology