Endothelial Cell Loss After Bimanual Torsional Phacoemulsification and Microcoaxial Torsional Phacoemulsification
Narrative Responses:
Purpose
To compare endothelial cell loss at the center and 6 points of the mid periphery of the cornea after bimanual and microcoaxial torsional phacoemulsification (PE).
Methods
This prospective randomized study included 30 patients, mean age 73±4.7 years, divided into two groups as follows: Gr. 1, 15 patients (15 eyes) who underwent bimanual torsional PE (1.2 mm + 1.4 mm), and gr. 2, 15 patients (15 eyes) who underwent microcoaxial torsional PE (2.2 mm). Prior to the surgery and 1 week after the surgery, endothelial cell density was evaluated in the center and 6 areas at mid periphery of the cornea (Tomey EM 3000).
Results
Mean endothelial cell losses in all evaluated areas did not show statistically significant difference between the two groups (p=0.67). The highest endothelial cell loss in both groups was observed in the area of main ultrasound incision as compared with other areas (1.2 mm and 2.2 mm, p=0.0002) and it was greater in the bimanual group as compared to the microcoaxial group (p=0.01).
Conclusion
The greatest damage to corneal endothelial cells during phacoemulsification takes place in the area of main (ultrasound) corneal incision.