Outcome of dual infusion through irrigating chopper in conventional phacoemulsification.

OBJECTIVE To determine the operative advantage in terms of minimizing the complications following conventional phaco surgery with dual infusion through irrigating chopper. METHODS A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial (RCCT) was conducted in the Ophthalmology Unit-III, Sindh Government Lyari General Hospital and DUHS and Al-Noor Eye Hospital Karachi, from March 2008 to February 2009. A total of 200 eyes with nuclear/cortico-nuclear cataract on Lens Opacity Classification System III underwent phacoemulsification. In all 100 eyes in group A were randomized to have conventional phacoemulsification with dual infusion technique through irrigating chopper and another 100 eyes in group B by conventional phaco surgery. Outcomes in two groups were judged by amount of Ringer's Lactate used, stability of anterior chamber and number of complications observed. RESULTS Rate of intra-operative complications was lower in group A as compared to group B (p=0.002). Anterior chamber depth was maintained in all cases of group A while it collapsed in 9 cases of group B which was highly significant (p=0.003). Mean amount of Ringer's Lactate used in group A was 260.2 +/- 55.07 ml and 195.8 +/- 35.0 ml in group B, which was significantly high (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Dual infusion through irrigating chopper serves triple function of irrigation, chopping and additional separate distant infusion. It improves anterior chamber stability and compensates surge and operative advantage to surgeon.