Cannula detachment during cataract surgery: results of a survey.
OBJECTIVE
To ascertain whether cannula displacement during cataract surgery with the use of the Luer lock is a common and recognized complication.


METHODS
A questionnaire was sent to attending physicians on the Royal College of Ophthalmologists U.K. register inquiring about episodes of cannula displacement and complications.


RESULTS
Despite the use of Luer locks, 60 cases of cannula detachment were reported; 196 respondents experienced this complication, and the most common cause of cannula detachment was stromal hydration (50%). Hydrodissection and viscoelastic were experienced by 18% and 17%, respectively. No severe damage resulted in most cases (76 cases), but some serious complications were reported: retinal damage (9%) and vitreous loss (17%).


CONCLUSIONS
We recommend that surgeons test the union carefully themselves and then test the system by squirting outside the eye. Additionally, we recommend that a new cannula be used for each stage of the procedure. The viscoelastic cannula, in particular, should not be used for any other purpose.
Department of Ophthalmology, Birmingham & Midland Eye Centre, Birmingham, UK. pravin1@gmail.com
Pravin
P
Pandey
Graham
G
Kirkby
D057785:Catheters / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires