Preston H Blomquist1, Anne C Pluenneke. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75300-9057, USA. preston.blomquist@utsouthwestern.edu
Abstract
PURPOSE: To compare rates of vitreous loss during cataract surgery when a silicone-tipped irrigation/aspiration (I/A) instrument is used for cortex removal as opposed to a metal tip. SETTING: Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dallas, Texas, USA. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients who had cataract extraction by phacoemulsification by third-year ophthalmology residents between September 2000 and February 2004 was conducted. A silicone-tipped I/A instrument was used to remove cortex for all surgeries beginning in September 2002, whereas a metal I/A tip was used previously. RESULTS: Of the 1072 cases performed with a metal I/A tip, there were 13 cases of vitreous loss during cortex removal (rate 1.2%) and 26% of all vitreous loss during that time occurred during cortex removal. Of the 805 cases performed with a silicone I/A tip, there was a single case (0.1%) of vitreous loss during cortex removal (P=.004); only 4% of all vitreous loss during that time occurred during cortex removal (P=.011). CONCLUSION: The overall incidence of vitreous loss during cortex removal and the ratio of vitreous loss during cortex removal to all cases of vitreous loss were significantly decreased using the silicone-tipped I/A instrument.
PURPOSE: To compare rates of vitreous loss during cataract surgery when a silicone-tipped irrigation/aspiration (I/A) instrument is used for cortex removal as opposed to a metal tip. SETTING: Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dallas, Texas, USA. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients who had cataract extraction by phacoemulsification by third-year ophthalmology residents between September 2000 and February 2004 was conducted. A silicone-tipped I/A instrument was used to remove cortex for all surgeries beginning in September 2002, whereas a metal I/A tip was used previously. RESULTS: Of the 1072 cases performed with a metal I/A tip, there were 13 cases of vitreous loss during cortex removal (rate 1.2%) and 26% of all vitreous loss during that time occurred during cortex removal. Of the 805 cases performed with a silicone I/A tip, there was a single case (0.1%) of vitreous loss during cortex removal (P=.004); only 4% of all vitreous loss during that time occurred during cortex removal (P=.011). CONCLUSION: The overall incidence of vitreous loss during cortex removal and the ratio of vitreous loss during cortex removal to all cases of vitreous loss were significantly decreased using the silicone-tipped I/A instrument.