Step-by-step phacoemulsification training program for ophthalmology residents

AIMS: The aim was to analyze the learning curve of phacoemulsification (phaco) performed by residents without experience in performing extra-capsular cataract extraction (ECCE) in a step-by-step training program (SBSTP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive surgical records of phaco performed from March 2009 to Sept 2011 by four residents without previous ECCE experience were retrospectively reviewed. The completion rate of the first 30 procedures by each resident was calculated. The main intraoperative phaco parameter records for the first 30 surgeries by each resident were compared with those for their last 30 surgeries. Intraoperative complications in the residents’ procedures were also recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1013 surgeries were performed by residents. The completion rate for the first 30 phaco procedures was 79.2 ± 5.8%. The main reasons for halting the procedure were as follows: Anterior capsule tear, inability to crack the nucleus, and posterior capsular rupture during phaco or cortex removal. Cumulative dissipated energy of phaco power used during the surgeries was significantly less in the last 30 cases compared with the first 30 cases (30.10 ± 17.58 vs. 55.41 ± 37.59, P = 0.021). Posterior capsular rupture rate was 2.5 ± 1.2% in total (10.8 ± 4.2% in the first 30 cases and 1.7 ± 1.9% in the last 30 cases, P = 0.008; a statistically significant difference). CONCLUSION: The step-by-step training program might be a necessary process for a resident to transit from dependence to a self-supported operator. It is also an essential middle step between wet lab training to performing the entire phaco procedure on the patient both effectively and safely.