Cool phaco in combined phacoemulsification and vitrectomy surgery.
The aim of this paper is to present the use of bimanual phacoemulsification technique in combined phacoemulsification and vitrectomy surgery. Combined phacoemulsification and vitrectomy procedure was performed in 20 eyes. Phacoemulsification was performed through two paracenteses. Soft acrylic intraocular lenses were implanted into the capsular bag through a paracentesis 1.8 mm wide. Standard three-port pars plana vitrectomy followed. Indications for vitrectomy were diabetic retinopathy, retina detachment, uveitis, macula hole. All surgeries were performed as one-day surgeries. Follow-up lasted six months. Visual acuity improved in 19/20 eyes (95%). The achieved functional results were similar to that achieved in standard phacoemulsification combined with vitreoretinal surgery. Surgery time did not differ significantly from time needed to perform a standard procedure. The bimanual technique allowed the stablization of the anterior chamber during vitreoretinal surgery. No serious postoperative complications occurred. The presented method improves the quality of combined surgery, ensures stability of the anterior chamber, reduces postoperative astigmatism, lowers the risk of inflammation.