Evaluation of Complications of Extracapsular Cataract Extraction Performed by Trainees

BACKGROUND: Cataract extraction is the most common intraocular surgery taught to residents. AIM: This study aims to review the complications of trainee-performed extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) so as to identify the steps in which the trainee can benefit from closer supervision and practice. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive retrospective study of complications in the initial 150 ECCE with intraocular lens implant performed by two Ophthalmologists, from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, who visited a high volume training center. Both the intraoperative and early post-operative complications were studied. Data entry and analysis were performed descriptively using the Statiscal Package for the Social Sciences, SPSS version 15.0 (Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: The age range of the patients was 40-95 years. The intraoperative complications included capsular flaps 12/161 (7.5%), posterior capsule rent, 10/161 (6.2%) and vitreous loss, 8/161 (5.0%). Corneal complications (striate keratopathy, superior corneal edema, generalized corneal edema and corneal folds) ranked highest in post-operative complications accounting for 34% (56/164). CONCLUSIONS: Performance of adequate and proper anterior capsulotomy, minimal handling of the cornea and avoidance of posterior capsular rent are some of the challenges of the trainee in mastering ECCE. Stepwise supervised training can help a trainee master these steps while keeping the complications at acceptably low levels.