Abstracts
Purpose:
To identify the causes and outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in patients undergoing phacoemulsification with intraoperative complication and to analyze whether the interval between phacoemulsification and PPV interferes with best-corrected final visual acuity.
Methods:
This descriptive and retrospective analytical study was conducted in Paraná Eye Hospital in 2013. Data were collected from medical records of 38 patients who underwent complicated phacoemulsification and also required PPV.
Results:
The most frequent complication as a result of phacoemulsification was posterior capsule rupture, observed in 35 patients (92.10%), followed by capsular bag detachment, in three patients (7.89%). Twenty-eight patients (73.68%) had cortical fragments that were removed during PPV. Twelve patients (31.57%) had their intraocular lens repositioned. PPV was performed on the same day of phacoemulsification in one patient (2.63%), within 1 week in 15 patients (39.47%), between 1 week and 1 month in 13 patients (34.21%), and 1 month after phacoemulsification in 9 patients (23.68%).
Conclusion:
This study is in agreement with worldwide literature, asserting that major complications of phacoemulsification are posterior capsule rupture and capsular bag detachment, and in addition, there is an improvement in the final visual acuity in almost half the cases, even when there are complications during modern cataract surgery, when complementary appropriate treatment is provided.
Phacoemulsification/complications; Vitrectomy/methods; Cataract extraction
Objetivos:
Identificar as causas e os resultados da vitrectomia via pars plana (VPP) em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de facoemulsificação com complicação intraoperatória, analisando se o tempo cirúrgico entre a facoemulsificação e a VPP interfere na melhor acuidade visual corrigida final.
Métodos:
Estudo analítico descritivo e retrospectivo realizado no Hospital de Olhos do Paraná em 2013. Os dados foram coletados de prontuários de 38 pacientes que foram submetidos à cirurgia de facoemulsificação complicada e que também precisaram de VPP.
Resultados:
A complicação intraoperatória mais frequente na cirurgia de facoemulsificação, nos pacientes estudados, foi à ruptura de cápsula posterior, que ocorreu em 35 pacientes (92,10%), seguido de desinserção zonular em 3 pacientes (7,89%). Em 28 pacientes (73,68%) foram encontrados restos corticais, que foram removidos durante a VPP. Em 12 pacientes (31,57%) foi realizado o reposicionamento da lente intraocular. A cirurgia de VPP foi realizada no mesmo dia da facoemulsificação em 1 paciente (2,63%), dentro de 7 dias em 15 pacientes (39,47%), entre 1 semana e 1 mês em 13 pacientes (34,21%) e após 1 mês da facoemulsificação em 9 pacientes (23,68%).
Conclusão:
O presente estudo encontrou dados semelhantes aos descritos na literatura mundial, que afirmam que as principais complicações da facoemulsificação são a ruptura de cápsula posterior e desinserção zonular; e que a acuidade visual final melhora, em aproximadamente metade dos casos, mesmo após ocorrer complicações na cirurgia de catarata moderna, quando instituído tratamento complementar adequado.
Facoemulsificação/complicações; Vitrectomia/métodos; Extração de catarata
INTRODUCTION
With the increasing popularity of phacoemulsification as a method of choice for cataract
surgery, the incidence of complications such as inadvertent posterior capsule tear,
nuclear fragments, and intraocular lens (IOL) loss into the vitreous cavity has
increased greatly(11 Emery JM, Wilhelmus KA, Rosenberg S. Complications of
facoemulsification. Ophthalmology. 1978;85(2):141-50.
2 Monshizadeh RSN, Haimovici R. Management of retained intravitreal lens
fragments after cataract surgery. Surv Ophthalmol.
1999;43(5):397-404.
3 Gilliland GD, Hutton WL, Fuller DG. Retained intravitreal lens fragments
after cataract surgery. Ophthalmology. 1922;99(8):1263-9.
4 Irvine WD, Flynn HW, Murray TG. Retained lens fragment after
phacoemulsification manifesting as marked intraocular inflammation with hypopyon. Am
J Ophthalmol. 1922;114(5):610-4.
5 Pande M, Dabbs, TR. Incidence of lens matter dislocation during
phacoemulsification. J Cataract Refract Surg. 1996;22(6):737-42.-66 Tommila P, Immonen I. Dislocated nuclear fragments after cataract
surgery. Eye (Lond). 1995;9(Pt 4):437-41.).
These complications are directly related to the surgeon’s expertise and tend to increase
in specific cases that represent major challenges. These cases include inadequate
zonular support (pseudoexfoliation, trauma, and previous vitrectomy), mature and
hyper-mature cataracts, high axial myopia, insuficient mydriasis, patient movements
during the perioperative period, among others(22 Monshizadeh RSN, Haimovici R. Management of retained intravitreal lens
fragments after cataract surgery. Surv Ophthalmol.
1999;43(5):397-404.,66 Tommila P, Immonen I. Dislocated nuclear fragments after cataract
surgery. Eye (Lond). 1995;9(Pt 4):437-41.,77 Allinson RW, Metrikin DC, Fante RG. Incidence of vitreous loss and
dislocated lens fragments during phacoemulsification among third-year residents
performing phacoemulsification. Ophthalmology. 1992;99(5):726-30.
8 Gonvers M. New approach to managing vitreous loss and dislocated lens
fragments during phacoemulsification. J Cataract Refract Surg.
1994;20(3):346-9.
9 Leaming DV. Practice styles and preferences of ASCRS members: 1994
survey. J Cataract Refract Surg. 1995;21(4):378-85.
10 Gusek JP, Holm M, Cotter JB, Cameron JA, Rademaker WJ, Wissinger DH,
Tonjum AM, Sleeper LA. Risk Factors for intraoperative complications in 1000
extra-capsular cases. Ophthalmology. 1987;94(5):461-6.
11 Margherio RR, Margherio AR, Pendergas SD, Williams GA, Garretson BR,
Strong LE, et al. Vitrectomy for retained lens fragments after phacoemulsification.
Ophthalmology. 1997;104(9):1426-32.-1212 Streeten BW. Pathology of the lens. In: Albert DM, Jakobiec FA, editors.
Principles and practices of ophthalmology: clinical practice. Philadelphia: WB
Saunders; 1994. p.2180-239.).
Nuclear and IOL fragmentation in the vitreous may trigger serious consequences, including permanent visual loss, if not treated properly. These complications induce a severe inflammatory response that is proportional to the excessive intraocular manipulation trauma and the nuclear fragment size or IOL model and material. These patients may also develop chronic uveitis, secondary glaucoma, corneal edema, and retinal detachment. One study showed a 52% incidence of glaucoma in such a condition(33 Gilliland GD, Hutton WL, Fuller DG. Retained intravitreal lens fragments after cataract surgery. Ophthalmology. 1922;99(8):1263-9.).
To determine the best clinical or surgical treatment strategy for such conditions,
ophthalmologists mainly consider fragment size and the presence or absence of corneal
edema and glaucoma(1313 Hutton WL, Snyder WB, Vaiser A. Management of surgically dislocated
intravitreal lens fragments by pars plana vitrectomy. Ophthalmology.
1978;85(2):176-89.
14 Fastenberg DM, Schwarzt PL, Shakin JL, Golub BM. Management of
dislocated nuclear fragments after phacoemulsification. Am J Ophthalmology.
1991;112(5):535-9.
15 Lambrou FH Jr, Stewart MW. Management of dislocated lens fragments
during phacoemulsification. Ophthalmology. 1992 Aug;99(8):1260-2; Discussion
1268-9.
16 Kim JE, Flynn Jr HW, Smiddy WE, Murray TG, Rubsamen PE, Davis JL,
Nicholson DH. Retained lens fragments after phacoemulsification. Ophthalmology. 1994;
101(11):1827-32.
17 Blodi BA, Flynn Jr HW, Blody CF, Folk JC, Daily MJ. Retained nuclei
after cataract surgery. Ophthalmology. 1992;99(1):41-4.
18 Wong D, Briggs MC, Hicley-Dwyer MU, McGalliard JN. Removal of lens
fragments from the vitreous cavity. Eye (Lond). 1997;11(Pt 1):37-42.
19 Stewart MW. Management of retained lens fragments: can we improve? Am J
Ophthalmol. 2007;144(3):445-6.-2020 Mittra RA, Connor TB, Han DP, Koenig SB, Mieler WF, Pulido JS. Removal
of dislocated intraocular lenses using pars plana vitrectomy with placement of an
open-loop, flexible anterior chamber lens. Ophthalmology.
1998;105(6):1011-4.).
Studies on the removal time of vitrectomy nuclear fragments indicated that it is not
necessary for this procedure to be performed on the same day and that these fragments
can be removed up till 1-2 weeks after surgery(33 Gilliland GD, Hutton WL, Fuller DG. Retained intravitreal lens fragments
after cataract surgery. Ophthalmology. 1922;99(8):1263-9.,66 Tommila P, Immonen I. Dislocated nuclear fragments after cataract
surgery. Eye (Lond). 1995;9(Pt 4):437-41.,1313 Hutton WL, Snyder WB, Vaiser A. Management of surgically dislocated
intravitreal lens fragments by pars plana vitrectomy. Ophthalmology.
1978;85(2):176-89.
14 Fastenberg DM, Schwarzt PL, Shakin JL, Golub BM. Management of
dislocated nuclear fragments after phacoemulsification. Am J Ophthalmology.
1991;112(5):535-9.
15 Lambrou FH Jr, Stewart MW. Management of dislocated lens fragments
during phacoemulsification. Ophthalmology. 1992 Aug;99(8):1260-2; Discussion
1268-9.
16 Kim JE, Flynn Jr HW, Smiddy WE, Murray TG, Rubsamen PE, Davis JL,
Nicholson DH. Retained lens fragments after phacoemulsification. Ophthalmology. 1994;
101(11):1827-32.
17 Blodi BA, Flynn Jr HW, Blody CF, Folk JC, Daily MJ. Retained nuclei
after cataract surgery. Ophthalmology. 1992;99(1):41-4.
18 Wong D, Briggs MC, Hicley-Dwyer MU, McGalliard JN. Removal of lens
fragments from the vitreous cavity. Eye (Lond). 1997;11(Pt 1):37-42.
19 Stewart MW. Management of retained lens fragments: can we improve? Am J
Ophthalmol. 2007;144(3):445-6.-2020 Mittra RA, Connor TB, Han DP, Koenig SB, Mieler WF, Pulido JS. Removal
of dislocated intraocular lenses using pars plana vitrectomy with placement of an
open-loop, flexible anterior chamber lens. Ophthalmology.
1998;105(6):1011-4.).
This study aims to identify the causes and results of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in patients who underwent phacoemulsification with intraoperative complications and to analyze whether the surgical interval between phacoemulsification and PPV interferes with the best-corrected final visual acuity (VA).
METHODS
A descriptive and retrospective analytical study was conducted at Paraná Eye Hospital by reviewing 38 patient records.
The inclusion criteria were as follows: patients who underwent cataract surgery by phacoemulsification with intraoperative complications and required postoperative PPV immediately after cataract surgery. Considered surgeries were performed between January and December 2013.
The exclusion criteria were as follows: patients with incomplete follow-up during the study period or those with incomplete medical records.
The following data were collected for this study: gender, age, origin, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) prior to phacoemulsification and a month after PPV, and complications or procedures required during the last surgery.
The ophthalmologic examination included the following procedures: average VA with best correction according to the Snellen chart, biomicroscopy with Zeiss slit lamp, intraocular pressure measurement by Perkins tonometer, and retinal mapping by EyeTech indirect ophthalmoscopy. Legacy 20000TM (Alcon) and Infiniti® (Alcon) were used for phacoemulsification, and Stellaris (Bausch & Lomb) was used for vitrectomy.
Third-year ophthalmology residents and fellows of the cataract and anterior segment department of Paraná Eye Hospital performed the phacoemulsification surgeries. Experienced physicians expertise in retinal procedures performed the PPV procedures.
The study design was submitted to and approved by the Ethics Committee of Positivo University. Patient identities were not collected, ensuring patient anonymity. Because the aim of the study was the collection of medical appointment data, there were no interventions in the physician conduct, which occurred independent of the study.
RESULTS
Between January and December 2013, 42 patients underwent complicated cataract surgery followed by PPV. Four of these patients were excluded from the study because of incomplete records or follow-up. Of the 38 remaining patients, 12 were male (31.5%) and 26 female (68.4%). The average age was 69.42 ± 13.89 years (minimum of 5 years, maximum of 84 years). Half of the patients were from Curitiba, Paraná and the other half were from other locations.
Prior to phacoemulsification, eye comorbidities (besides cataract) were found in six patients (15.78%): glaucoma (five patients) and age-related macular degeneration (one patient). Of the 38 patients, 13 (34.21%) had diabetes mellitus type II and 11 (28.94%) had systemic arterial hypertension without fundoscopic changes.
Table 1 shows the general view of the BCVA values prior to phacoemulsification (BCVA pre-surgery) and 30 days after vitrectomy (BCVA post-surgery).
Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) prior to phacoemulsification (Pre-Phaco) and after pars plana vitrectomy (Post-PPV), n=38
When analyzed individually, 18 (47.36%) patients presented an improvement in the final BCVA after PPV compared with BCVA prior to phacoemulsification, whereas 11 (28.94%) had worsening of BCVA. BCVA remained unchanged in nine (23.68%) patients. Of the 18 patients with improvement in the final BCVA, 15 (83.33%) underwent PPV within the first month after phacoemulsification.
Eighteen (47.37%) phacoemulsification procedures were performed within the first half of 2013 and 20 (52.43%) in the second half. Vitrectomy (PPV) was performed on the same day as phacoemulsification in one patient (2.63%), within 7 days in 15 patients (39.47%), between 1 week and 1 month in 13 patients (34.21%), and 1 month after phacoemulsification in nine patients (23.68%)(Table 2).
Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) prior to phacoemulsification (Pre-Phaco) and post pars plana vitrectomy (Post-PPV), according to the interval between surgeries, n=38
Posterior capsule tear was the most frequent intraoperative complication (35 patients, 92.10%), followed by detachment of the capsular bag in three patients (7.89%). Cortical fragments were found in 28 patients (73.68%) and were removed during PPV. Twelve patients (31.57%) required intraocular lens repositioning in the ciliary sulcus.
DISCUSSION
Cortical fragments were observed and surgically removed in 73.68% of the patients who underwent PPV. The remaining patients underwent PPV for removal of the nucleus from the vitreous. Gilliland showed a similar occurrence of cortical fragments in patients who underwent PPV(33 Gilliland GD, Hutton WL, Fuller DG. Retained intravitreal lens fragments after cataract surgery. Ophthalmology. 1922;99(8):1263-9.).
Lavinski et al. revealed that the surgical interval between cataract surgery and PPV was more than 15 days for most patients. In the present study, this surgical interval ranged from up to 15 days (16 patients; 42.10%) to more than 15 days (22 patients; 57.89%)(2121 Lavinsky J, Fior O, Goldhardt R, Dei Ricardi LM. Complications of lens displacement into the vitreous cavity. Arq Bras Oftalmol. 2002;65(4):435-9.). On the other hand, the authors suggested that a shorter surgical interval between the two procedures results in an improvement of the final VA. This finding is consistent with that of the present study, given that of the 18 patients that showed improvement in the final BCVA after PPV, 13 (72.22%) had undergone this procedure within the first month after phacoemulsification(2121 Lavinsky J, Fior O, Goldhardt R, Dei Ricardi LM. Complications of lens displacement into the vitreous cavity. Arq Bras Oftalmol. 2002;65(4):435-9.,2222 Falavarjani KG. Pars plana vitrectomy and intravitreal phacoemulsification for dropped nuclei. J Ophthalmic Vis Res. 2012;7(2):125-9.).
The average patient age in the present study was 69.42 years, similar to that obtained by Santacruz I in his RCP and final VA study, and by Falavarjani et al. in their study of PPV for the removal of the nucleus from the vitreous (2323 Santacruz I. Posterior rupture in cataract surgery: frequency, management and visual result. Mem Inst Invest Cienc Salud. 2011;7(1):43-8.).
Tavares et al. observed ocular comorbidities in 35% of patients, with glaucoma being the most frequent condition. These findings are consistent with those of in the present study(2424 Tavares VN, Colossi CG, Saalfeld V, Vilela MA. Phacoemulsification under topical anesthesia: series of cases. Rev Bras Oftalmol. 2013;72(3):178-80.).
It is important to emphasize that RCP is a complication that can occur with any surgeon and its proper management requires experience. Its management includes vitrectomy in order to minimize final VA losses(2525 Yasha S. Retained lens fragments after cataract surgery: outcomes of same-day versus later pars plana vitrectomy. Am J Ophthalmol. 2013;156(3):454-9.).
As demonstrated, the results obtained in the present study are consistent with existing worldwide literature statistics.
It is crucial to point out the importance of an integrated and readily available team of retina specialists in order to manage such complications, provide the best prognosis, and consequently, increase quality of life.
CONCLUSION
In the present study, the most frequent intraoperative complication during phacoemulsification was the posterior capsule tear, followed by capsular bag detachment.
Almost half of the patients presented improvement in the final BCVA after PPV compared with BCVA prior to phacoemulsification.
Most of the patients who presented improvement in the final BCVA underwent PPV within the first month after phacoemulsification, suggesting that a shorter surgical interval between phacoemulsification with complication and PPV improves the final BCVA.
-
Funding: No specific financial support was available for this study.
-
Approved by the following research ethics committee: Positivo University (CAAE 27185914. 6.0000.0093).
REFERENCES
-
1Emery JM, Wilhelmus KA, Rosenberg S. Complications of facoemulsification. Ophthalmology. 1978;85(2):141-50.
-
2Monshizadeh RSN, Haimovici R. Management of retained intravitreal lens fragments after cataract surgery. Surv Ophthalmol. 1999;43(5):397-404.
-
3Gilliland GD, Hutton WL, Fuller DG. Retained intravitreal lens fragments after cataract surgery. Ophthalmology. 1922;99(8):1263-9.
-
4Irvine WD, Flynn HW, Murray TG. Retained lens fragment after phacoemulsification manifesting as marked intraocular inflammation with hypopyon. Am J Ophthalmol. 1922;114(5):610-4.
-
5Pande M, Dabbs, TR. Incidence of lens matter dislocation during phacoemulsification. J Cataract Refract Surg. 1996;22(6):737-42.
-
6Tommila P, Immonen I. Dislocated nuclear fragments after cataract surgery. Eye (Lond). 1995;9(Pt 4):437-41.
-
7Allinson RW, Metrikin DC, Fante RG. Incidence of vitreous loss and dislocated lens fragments during phacoemulsification among third-year residents performing phacoemulsification. Ophthalmology. 1992;99(5):726-30.
-
8Gonvers M. New approach to managing vitreous loss and dislocated lens fragments during phacoemulsification. J Cataract Refract Surg. 1994;20(3):346-9.
-
9Leaming DV. Practice styles and preferences of ASCRS members: 1994 survey. J Cataract Refract Surg. 1995;21(4):378-85.
-
10Gusek JP, Holm M, Cotter JB, Cameron JA, Rademaker WJ, Wissinger DH, Tonjum AM, Sleeper LA. Risk Factors for intraoperative complications in 1000 extra-capsular cases. Ophthalmology. 1987;94(5):461-6.
-
11Margherio RR, Margherio AR, Pendergas SD, Williams GA, Garretson BR, Strong LE, et al. Vitrectomy for retained lens fragments after phacoemulsification. Ophthalmology. 1997;104(9):1426-32.
-
12Streeten BW. Pathology of the lens. In: Albert DM, Jakobiec FA, editors. Principles and practices of ophthalmology: clinical practice. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1994. p.2180-239.
-
13Hutton WL, Snyder WB, Vaiser A. Management of surgically dislocated intravitreal lens fragments by pars plana vitrectomy. Ophthalmology. 1978;85(2):176-89.
-
14Fastenberg DM, Schwarzt PL, Shakin JL, Golub BM. Management of dislocated nuclear fragments after phacoemulsification. Am J Ophthalmology. 1991;112(5):535-9.
-
15Lambrou FH Jr, Stewart MW. Management of dislocated lens fragments during phacoemulsification. Ophthalmology. 1992 Aug;99(8):1260-2; Discussion 1268-9.
-
16Kim JE, Flynn Jr HW, Smiddy WE, Murray TG, Rubsamen PE, Davis JL, Nicholson DH. Retained lens fragments after phacoemulsification. Ophthalmology. 1994; 101(11):1827-32.
-
17Blodi BA, Flynn Jr HW, Blody CF, Folk JC, Daily MJ. Retained nuclei after cataract surgery. Ophthalmology. 1992;99(1):41-4.
-
18Wong D, Briggs MC, Hicley-Dwyer MU, McGalliard JN. Removal of lens fragments from the vitreous cavity. Eye (Lond). 1997;11(Pt 1):37-42.
-
19Stewart MW. Management of retained lens fragments: can we improve? Am J Ophthalmol. 2007;144(3):445-6.
-
20Mittra RA, Connor TB, Han DP, Koenig SB, Mieler WF, Pulido JS. Removal of dislocated intraocular lenses using pars plana vitrectomy with placement of an open-loop, flexible anterior chamber lens. Ophthalmology. 1998;105(6):1011-4.
-
21Lavinsky J, Fior O, Goldhardt R, Dei Ricardi LM. Complications of lens displacement into the vitreous cavity. Arq Bras Oftalmol. 2002;65(4):435-9.
-
22Falavarjani KG. Pars plana vitrectomy and intravitreal phacoemulsification for dropped nuclei. J Ophthalmic Vis Res. 2012;7(2):125-9.
-
23Santacruz I. Posterior rupture in cataract surgery: frequency, management and visual result. Mem Inst Invest Cienc Salud. 2011;7(1):43-8.
-
24Tavares VN, Colossi CG, Saalfeld V, Vilela MA. Phacoemulsification under topical anesthesia: series of cases. Rev Bras Oftalmol. 2013;72(3):178-80.
-
25Yasha S. Retained lens fragments after cataract surgery: outcomes of same-day versus later pars plana vitrectomy. Am J Ophthalmol. 2013;156(3):454-9.
Publication Dates
-
Publication in this collection
Mar-Apr 2015
History
-
Received
09 June 2014 -
Accepted
11 Dec 2014