Comparison of energy required for phaco-chop and divide and conquer phacoemulsification.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and usefulness of phaco-chop cataract extraction.


METHODS
A university-associated, multispecialty ophthalmology practice.


METHODS
Fifty-three patients in a university-associated ophthalmology practice had cataract extraction, 32 by the phaco-chop technique and 21 by four-quadrant divide and conquer phacoemulsification. Phacoemulsification energy and complication rates were compared.


RESULTS
Mean phacoemulsification energy was significantly lower in the phaco-chop group (mean 782 J +/- 446 [SD]) than in the divide and conquer group (mean 3264 +/- 1218 J)(P < .00001). No complications occurred in either group.


CONCLUSIONS
The phaco-chop technique provided safe, effective cataract extraction with significantly less energy than that required for divide and conquer phacoemulsification.
DeBry
P
P
University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, USA.
Olson
R J
RJ
Crandall
A S
AS
D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012449:Safety