Endothelial cell loss: Biaxial small-incision torsional phacoemulsification versus biaxial small-incision longitudinal phacoemulsification.

PURPOSE

To compare clinical results of biaxial small-incision torsional phacoemulsification and biaxial small-incision longitudinal phacoemulsification.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Namik Kemal University, Tekirdag, Turkey.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled clinical trial.

METHODS

Eyes with high-density nuclear cataract were assigned to have biaxial longitudinal (microburst mode) or biaxial torsional phacoemulsification. The main outcomes included corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), central corneal thickness (CCT), central endothelial cell density (ECD), total ultrasound time (UST), cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), percentage total equivalent power in position 3, and balanced salt solution volume. Postoperative follow-up was at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 and 3 months.

RESULTS

Each group comprised 35 patients (35 eyes). Three months postoperatively, the mean CDVA for each group was 0.02 logMAR and the mean CCT returned to the preoperative level (P=.589 and P=.554, respectively). During the postoperative follow-up, the percentage of mean endothelial cell loss in both groups was between 35.4% and 39.1%; there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (P>.05). The mean CDE, UST, percentage total equivalent power in position 3, and balanced salt solution volume values were similar in the 2 groups (P>.05).

CONCLUSION

The risk for high endothelial cell loss should be considered when the phacoemulsification of high-density nuclear cataracts is performed using either method.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.