Phacoemulsification by using the quick-chop and the divide and conquer techniques: a prospective comparative study

Abstract

Objective The aim of the present study was to show the differences between the quick-chop and the divide and conquer techniques regarding phacoemulsification time and the operative effect on corneal endothelium. Background Phacoemulsification techniques continue to evolve with the goal of providing safer and more effective methods of cataract extraction. Patients and methods Fifty eyes of 49 patients were enrolled in this prospective comparative study. All eyes had nuclear cataracts of grades I-IV according to the Lens Opacities Classification System III. This study involved two groups, each having an equal number of eyes (25). The technique used for group A was the quick-chop phacoemulsification, and for group B it was the divide and conquer phacoemulsification. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, slit-lamp evaluation, and fundoscopic evaluation. Endothelial cell density was measured preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. All surgeries were carried out at Menoufia University Hospital between March 2013 and October 2014 using the Geuder Megatron G. Results In the quick-chop group, the mean equivalent ultrasound time was 12.6 s and endothelial cell loss 3 months postoperatively was 7.44%. In the divide and conquer group, the mean equivalent ultrasound time was 19.99 s and the mean endothelial cell loss 3 months postoperatively was 8.72%. Conclusion The quick-chop phacoemulsification technique consumes less time than does the divide and conquer technique, with statistically significant differences. The quick-chop technique also has a lesser impact on the corneal endothelium than does the divide and conquer technique, with statistically insignificant difference.