Comparison of “Nagahara Phaco-Chop” and “Stop-And-Chop Phacoemulsification Techniques”

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the differences and the results between “Nagahara phaco chop” and “stop-and-chop” phacoemulsification techniques. Patients and Methods: 49 eyes of 47 patients were performed “Nagahara phaco-chop” technique, and 39 eyes of 38 patients were performed “Stop-and-chop” technique. Results: Mean phaco time and the effective phacoemulsification time in the phaco-chop technique were statistically significantly lower than those in the stop and chop method. The ratio of the transient stromal oedema was significantly higher in stop-and-chop technique than phaco-chop technique. Time to achieve maximum vision after the operation was 5.67±5.59 days in phaco-chop group, and 9.39 ±8.20 days in stop-and-chop group. There were no significant differences between two groups in terms of best corrected visual acuity level at the last visit Conclusion: Phaco-chop method decreases the duration of phacoemulsification and reduces released energy and accelerate post operative healing. However, phaco-chop technique s a more difficult technique, and has a longer learning period. On the other hand, stop-and-chop technique is more associated with endothelial damage, and more ultrasonic energy is used for it; however, for many surgeons, it is easier to perform.

Keywords

• phaco-chop
• phacoemulsification
• fakoemülsifikasyon
• fako-chop