Cannula detachment during cataract surgery: results of a survey

Detection of pars plana rupture by ultrasound biomicroscopy after cannula dislodgement during cataract wound hydration

Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) is a valuable diagnostic modality for imaging anterior ocular structures. Its utility has been well studied in anterior segment, lenticular, and pars plicata pathologies. However, imaging of the pars plana has been seldom described. We present the case of a 66-year-old woman referred for vitreous hemorrhage after expulsive cannula dislodgement into the posterior segment during wound hydration at the end of cataract surgery. B-scan ultrasonography initially detected a very anterior abnormality, but the resolution was insufficient for accurate diagnosis. Subsequent UBM clearly showed rupture of the pars plana and a mild cyclodialysis cleft. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a pars plana rupture detected by ultrasound, which expands the diagnostic capacities and indications for UBM.

High-speed cannula detachment into the eye during hydrodissection

Detachment of a hydrodissection cannula during a phacoemulsification procedure appeared to produce no adverse sequelae during surgery. Day 1 postoperatively, two nonpenetrating hemorrhagic retinal lesions were identified; there was no evidence of posterior capsular perforation. Day 6 postoperatively, the pupil was temporally peaked by a fine vitreous strand running to the main-port incision in the superotemporal cornea. This was divided with Nd:YAG laser, and argon laser was applied to encircle the two retinal lesions. Postoperative uncorrected visual acuity remained 6/4 at day 1, day 6, and week 4 (3 weeks after laser application) follow-up visits. Surgeons must accept responsibility for confirming the integrity of the cannula and syringe connection before beginning hydrodissection, which can be highly destructive to intracameral structures.