title: Phacoemulsification in vitrectomized eyes: results using a 'phaco chop' technique.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the intraoperative and early postoperative complications of phacoemulsification using a 'phaco chop' technique in previously vitrectomized eyes.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective interventional case series. Seventy-five previously vitrectomized eyes of 73 consecutive patients underwent phacoemulsification using a 'phaco chop' technique via clear corneal incision. Patients were observed for any intraoperative or early postoperative complications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-four eyes (72%) had predominant nuclear sclerosis or posterior subcapsular cataract. The intraoperative findings included intraoperative miosis [seen in 21 eyes (28%)] and posterior capsule plaques [in 15 eyes (20%)]. No other significant intraoperative complication (posterior capsule rupture, zonular lysis or dropped nuclei) was observed. In the early postoperative period, one patient had massive serous choroidal detachment, which resolved with conservative treatment. Mean preoperative visual acuity (LogMar scale) was 0.74, which improved to 0.36 postoperatively (p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Phacoemulsification using a 'phaco chop' technique is a safe procedure in vitrectomized eyes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
authors.forename: Nishant
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sachdev
authors.forename: Gagandeep Singh
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Brar
authors.forename: Jaspreet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sukhija
authors.forename: Vishali
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: Jagat
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ram
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015862:Choroid Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology; D007905:Lens Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015877:Miosis / Q000209:etiology; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014821:Vitrectomy