Hydro-dispersion of subincisional cortex

BACKGROUND: A simple technique to facilitate removal of subincisional cortex in cataract surgery is presented. METHODS: A disposable 27-gauge blunt needle attached to a 5.0-ml syringe containing balanced salt solution (BSS) is introduced through the side port incision into the anterior chamber. The tip of the needle is directed toward the capsule fornix beneath the incision site, and BSS is flushed to disperse the remaining cortex. Thereafter, the coaxial irrigation/aspiration device is used to remove the loosened cortex. RESULTS: This technique was used in 60 eyes of 60 patients with difficulty of removing cortical remnant in the subincisional space. Subincisional cortical material was successfully removed in 93.3% (56/60 eyes). There were no intraoperative and postoperative complications related to this procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The hydro-dispersion technique is a simple and safe approach to remove the subincisional cortical material that is difficult to manage with the standard coaxial irrigation/aspiration device. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12886-022-02314-0.