Phaco-chop versus stop-and-chop nucleotomy for phacoemulsification.

PURPOSE: To perform a comparative evaluation of phaco-chop versus stop-and-chop nucleotomy techniques of phacoemulsification.

SETTING

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Center for Ophthalmic Sciences, New Delhi, India.

METHODS

Forty eyes of 40 patients with immature senile cataract were included in the study. Twenty eyes each were randomly assigned to have phaco-chop (Group 1) or stop-and-chop (Group 2) nucleotomy during phacoemulsification. The main parameters were corneal endothelial count, effective phaco time, volume of infusion fluid used, central corneal pachymetry, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and intraoperative complications during nucleotomy. Follow-up visits were scheduled at 1, 4, and 12 weeks.

RESULTS

The mean effective phaco time was 27 seconds +/- 18 (SD) in Group 1 and 28 +/- 16 seconds in Group 2. The mean corneal endothelial cell loss was 6.89% and 7.17%, respectively, at the end of 12 weeks. The difference between groups was not significant. An anterior capsule tear occurred in 3 eyes in Group 1 and 1 eye in Group 2. All eyes achieved a BCVA of 20/20 at the end of 4 weeks. There were no significant between-group differences in any intraoperative or postoperative parameter.

CONCLUSIONS

The phaco-chop and the stop-and-chop nucleotomy techniques were equally efficacious for nuclear management during phacoemulsification.