title: Factors contributing to posterior capsule opacification following 23-gauge transconjunctival phacovitrectomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine posterior capsule opacification (PCO) rate and identify contributory factors in a series of patients undergoing combined 23-gauge transconjunctival phacovitrectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective data on 221 consecutive patients operated on by a single senior surgeon using a standard technique were collected and subjected to univariate analysis with chi-square tests and multivariate analysis with logistic regression.
  
  
  RESULTS
  PCO developed in 46 of 221 cases (20.8%). Major risk factors were: rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (relative risk = 3.3, P = .002), axial length greater than 24.5 mm (relative risk = 2.0, P = .093), intraoperative/postoperative complications (relative risk = 3.3, P = .04), C2F6 tamponade (versus SF6/air) (relative risk = 2.8, P = .01), and postoperative posturing (relative risk = 4.1, P < .001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed the latter two to be most important.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PCO rate following 23-gauge phacovitrectomy is lower than most rates reported for 20-gauge phacovitrectomy. Using shorter-acting gas tamponade and avoiding postoperative posturing may help lower PCO rates.
authors.affiliation: Calderdale Royal Hospital, Halifax, United Kingdom. binarahman@fsmail.net
authors.forename: Rubina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rahman
authors.forename: Benedict Vella
authors.initials: BV
authors.lastname: Briffa
authors.forename: Abha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Chinn
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D058442:Capsule Opacification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D002386:Cataract / Q000150:complications; D003228:Conjunctiva; D005260:Female; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000009:adverse effects*; D057852:Posterior Capsule of the Lens / Q000473:pathology*; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D005466:Fluorocarbons; C048381:perfluoroethane; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride