Reoperations After Cataract Surgery: Is the Incidence Predictable Through a Risk Factor Stratification System?

Introduction The objective of the study was to quantify the number of procedures needed to achieve the best possible surgical outcome, depending on the number and type of risk factors identified. Methods Two independent observers reviewed the medical records of 1,502 patients who underwent phacoemulsification surgery, during a two-year period (January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015). Preoperative risk factors were documented according to the stratification system used. Based on the total risk score, each case was allocated to one of four risk groups with 0, 1-2, 3-5, and >6 total risk factors, respectively. All qualitative and quantitative characteristics were gathered and included in a multivariate analysis. Results A total of 1,792 eyes were included. Αge over 88 years, low cooperation ability with the patient, and surgeries performed by residents tended to have more often complications, while white/intumescent cataract, iridodonesis/phacodonesis, α1 blockers intake, and male gender are risk factors positively associated with more than one surgery. Conclusions Risk factors tend to be prognostic for possible intraoperative complications. The number of procedures needed for the best possible surgical outcome seems to depend on these preoperative risk factors. A stratification method increases the level of awareness of the surgeon, and therefore may decrease the number of complications and even procedures while enhancing the "safe" practice and skills of residents.