Effects of phacoemulsification time on the corneal endothelium using phacofracture and phaco chop techniques.
OBJECTIVE
To quantitatively assess early postoperative endothelial damage caused by two phacoemulsification techniques and to ascertain the effect of differences in phacoemulsification time.


METHODS
Department of Ophthalmology, Umberto Hospital, Lugo, Italy.


METHODS
This prospective study evaluated 100 patients who had phacoemulsification using one of two techniques: phaco chop (n = 50) or four-quadrant, divide and conquer phacofracture (n = 50). The endothelium of both groups was analyzed preoperatively and 8 weeks postoperatively by specular microscopy.


RESULTS
Phaco chop led to significantly shorter phacoemulsification time and less endothelial damage. Mean equivalent phacoemulsification time was 25.53 seconds +/- 11.26 (SD) in the phaco chop group and 87.26 +/- 48.03 seconds in the phacofracture group. Endothelial cell loss was 4.72 +/- 1.2% and 13.80 +/- 4.3%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The phaco chop technique led to shorter phacoemulsification time and less endothelial cell loss.
Pirazzoli
G
G
Department of Ophthalmology, Umberto Hospital, Lugo, Italy.
D'Eliseo
D
D
Ziosi
M
M
Acciarri
R
R
D002452:Cell Count; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors