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.
Noecker
R J
RJ
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson.
Allinson
R W
RW
Snyder
R W
RW
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