title: Management of vitreous loss and dropped nucleus during cataract surgery.
abstract: The intraoperative management of complication during cataract surgery of vitreous loss and dropped nucleus strongly influences the outcome, and a well-rehearsed plan for both staff and surgeons is needed. Preventative measures, early recognition, damage control, and resolution are discussed in this article. Maintenance of appropriate pressure relationships and tissue planes limits vitreous prolapse and the surgeon's primary goal is to avoid vitreous traction resulting in retinal tears and detachment. A pars plana approach to anterior vitrectomy with staining of the prolapsed vitreous is the most effective technique. Although residual lens material should be removed from the anterior and posterior chambers, once a fragment is lost to the posterior segment, the authors advocate referral for a standard three-port posterior vitrectomy with fragmenter as needed because the goal of the cataract surgeon is to offer the patient a clean, pseudophakic anterior segment and the best chance for an optimal visual recovery.
authors.affiliation: Eye Surgeons Associates P.C., Iowa and Illinois Quad Cities, 777 Tanglefoot Lane, Bettendorf, IA 52722, USA. drlisa@arbisser.com
authors.forename: Lisa Brothers
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Arbisser
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Charles
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Howcroft
authors.forename: Liliana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Werner
mesh_terms: D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000601:surgery*; D011379:Prognosis; D012160:Retina / Q000293:injuries*; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000293:injuries*
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide