title: [Use of of the high frequency capsulotomy instrument in cataract surgery--effect of coagulation on corneal endothelium].
abstract: Intumescent or hypermature cataracts make a safe capsulorhexis impossible. High frequency capsulotomy represents a satisfying solution for this problem. Primary goal of the present study was to investigate a possible damage to the corneal endothelium by this method.
  
  
  METHODS
  55 patients with an uncomplicated senile cataract were enclosed into a prospective randomized study undergoing cataract surgery with capsulorhexis or with high frequency capsulotomy. Corneal endothelium was examined preoperatively as well as postoperatively at several intervals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Concerning loss of endothelial cells and parameters of polymegatism and pleomorphism there were no statistically significant differences between both groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The diathermy during high frequency capsulotomy does not show any clinically relevant negative effects on the corneal endothelium within cataract surgery.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Medizinische Fakultät, Humboldt-Universität, Berlin.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Liekfeld
authors.forename: D T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Pham
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Schweig
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hartmann
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000601:surgery; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D008838:Microcomputers; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000473:pathology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013525:Surgical Instruments