Learning micro incision surgery without the learning curve

Intraoperative Evaluation of Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery with and without the Use of Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Devices

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of cataract surgery by the phacoemulsification technique with and without the use of ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs).

SETTING:

This study was conducted at a tertiary eye care center in a rural area of Central India.

DESIGN:

This was a prospective, randomized, observational study.

METHODS:

In this study, 220 patients underwent phacoemulsification for cataract surgery with OVDs (OVD group) or without OVDs (BSS group) (n = 110 in each group). Patients with operable, nuclear Grade 2–4 cataracts were included in the study. The study was conducted from June 2017 to September 2018. The frequency of intraoperative complications, surgical time, and ease of the surgical procedure (easy, difficult, or very difficult) were recorded.

RESULTS:

There was no statistically significant difference in the nuclear opalescence, axial length, and intraocular lens (IOL) power between the two groups. Capsulorhexis extension was seen in two eyes in the OVD group and none of the eyes in the BSS group. The problems that occurred during IOL implantation included flip (OVD group, 2; BSS group, 1), haptic breakage (OVD group, 1; BSS group, 1), sulcus implantation (OVD group, 0; BSS group, 2), and stuck haptic (OVD group, 1; BSS group, 3). The total surgical time was almost equal in the two groups (OVD group, 9.2 min ± 3; BSS group, 9.5 min ± 3.5; P = 0.521). None of the patients had iris trauma or posterior capsular rupture.

CONCLUSIONS:

OVD-less phacoemulsification surgery is a safe and effective technique for treating age-related cataracts that requires no additional instrumentation and saves the cost of the OVD.

Phaco-emulsification in completely vitrectomized eyes: Intraoperative analysis of modified phaco sleeve

PURPOSE

The purpose was to evaluate the results of modified sleeve in phacoemulsification of cataract in completely vitrectomised eyes, Materials and Methods: Twenty-five previously completely vitrectomized eyes of 23 patients having visually significant cataract were included. After through evaluation they underwent phaco-emulsification by phaco chop with a modified sleeve via temporal clear corneal incision. The modified sleeve was made by creating a small round port of approximate 1 × 1 mm size at the proximate end of the sleeve in line with the already existing ports. This port faced the posterior capsule while performing phacoemulsification. Patients were observed for any intraoperative complications.

RESULT

The most common indication for pars plana vitrectomy in our study group was vitreous hemorrhage due to diabetic retinopathy [13 out of 25 eyes (52%)]. Intraoperative findings included miosis [seen in 3 (12%) eyes] and posterior capsular plaque [seen in 2(8%) eyes]. No other significant intraoperative complications (posterior capsular tear, dropped nucleus) were observed. Average effective phaco time was 33 sec. (±15.11).

CONCLUSION

Though cataract surgery in postvitrectomized eyes is a challenging situation, modified sleeve prevents anterior chamber fluctuation and avoids complications arising out of it, making the surgery safe.

Evaluation of the surgical learning curve for I-125 episcleral plaque placement for the treatment of posterior uveal melanoma: a two decade review

Purpose

To evaluate the surgical learning curve in episceral plaque brachytherapy placement in the management of posterior uveal melanoma.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of two cohorts of 250 consecutive patients undergoing plaque placement for posterior uveal melanoma from 2002 to 2004 and from 2008 to 2009 was conducted. The plaque–tumor apposition rates verified by intraoperative echography were evaluated and correlated with surgical volume over a 19-year period.

Results

In an initial study of 29 consecutive patients undergoing plaque placement from January 1992 to January 1995, a suboptimal plaque placement rate of 21% (n = 29) was identified. This percentage declined to 12% (n = 100) from January 2002 to January 2004, and further declined to 4% (n = 150) from June 2008 to August 2009. The tumor–plaque apposition rates for these three groups were 79% (1992–1995), 88% (2002–2004), and 96% (2008–2009). An estimated surgical volume of 1275 cases was performed to achieve a >90% precision rate for first application of primary plaque centration.

Conclusion

There are challenges to mastering the precise placement of radioactive plaques for posterior uveal melanoma. We have demonstrated a significant learning curve for plaque placement techniques, and have emphasized the importance of intraoperative ultrasound in the verification of plaque placement, thus allowing for intraoperative repositioning.

Use of the anterior chamber maintainer in trabeculectomy following vitrectomy

PURPOSE

To retrospectively observe the effects of anterior chamber maintainer (ACM) placement in glaucoma patients undergoing trabeculectomy following vitrectomy.

METHODS

Trabeculectomy was performed on 51 secondary glaucoma patients (51 eyes), all of whom had undergone vitrectomy. During trabeculectomy, an ACM was placed in 27 eyes (group A), but not in the remaining 24 (group B). Intra- and post-operative complications were recorded. Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements were recorded pre-operatively and repeated post-operatively on follow up days 1, 3, and 7, and months 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24. Surgical success rates were recorded.

RESULTS

Mean pre-operative IOPs of groups A and B were 32.74 ± 11.25 and 34.29 ± 9.68 mmHg, respectively. In group A, anterior chamber bleeding (two cases), and choroidal detachment and/or ciliary detachment (four cases) occurred. In group B, anterior chamber bleeding (five cases), and choroidal detachment and/or ciliary detachment (11 cases) occurred. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups. There also was statistically significant difference in post-operative IOPs between the two groups at 12 and 24 months. The surgical success rate of group A was higher than that of group B.

CONCLUSION

ACM is effective in maintaining IOP and reducing complications during trabeculectomy following vitrectomy, thereby increasing surgical success rates.