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.