Multiquadrant versus single quadrant cortical cleaving hydrodissection during phacoemulsification of age related cataract

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare single and multiquadrant hydrodissection in age related cataract. DESIGN: Prospective, observational case series. METHODS: In this study, 220 patients were consecutively assigned to either single (n = 110) or multiquadrant (n = 110) hydrodissection during phacoemulsification. Patients having operable cataract in the nuclear grade of 1–3 of Lens Opacities Classification System III were included in the study. After hydrodissection of the nucleus nuclei were not rotated. Parameters assessed were amount of balanced salt solution (BSS) required to accomplish the hydrodissection, nucleus emulsification time (NET), and cortical aspiration time (CAT). Ease in nucleus rotation during chopping of the nucleus, cortical aspiration (easy, difficult, or very difficult) and intraoperative surgical complications were qualitatively assessed. RESULTS: Average amount of BSS required in multiquadrant hydrodissection was 1.7 ml (±0.9), which was more than double the single quadrant group 0.71(±0.17), p = 0.001. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two studied groups with respect to the following parameters: mean NET (single quadrant 277 sec ± 95.5, multiquadrant 267 sec ± 98.8, p = 0.379), CAT (single quadrant 75.7 sec ± 31.2, multiquadrant 73.4sec ± 33.9p = 0.301), and total fluid required (single quadrant 154 ml ± 64.9, multiquadrant 157 ml ± 66.4p = 0.708). Almost equal number of patients in both the groups had easy rotation of the nucleus (single quadrant: n = 105, 95.45% and multiquadrant n = 103, 93.64%) and cortical aspiration (n = 102, 92.72% both the groups). Three patients in multiquadrant group had posterior capsular rupture during hydrodissection. CONCLUSIONS: A single quadrant hydrodissection is sufficient for the efficient removal of nucleus and cortex.