UPRIGHT PHACOEMULSIFICATION - TECHNIQUE AND OUTCOMES

To describe a technique developed to perform phacoemulsification and IntraOcular Lens (IOL) implantation for patients who cannot recline sufficiently for traditional supine surgery.

Day case cataract unit in a tertiary referral centre in Sheffield, United Kingdom.

Some patients, due to various co-morbidities, are unable to recline sufficiently for safe traditional supine phacoemulsification and IOL implantation.  Using existing instruments, a technique was developed to facilitate phacoemulsification and IOL implantation in the upright/ High Fowlers position. This local anaesthetic technique involves the surgeon being seated and fully controlling all pedals without an additional assistant. The technique has been successfully repeated a number of times. Demonstration of the technique includes videos and photographs.

To date 5 eyes of 4 patients underwent successful surgeries with good outcomes and no complications.

Patients who had previously been deemed inoperable due to positioning issues can have successful and safe phacoemulsification in an upright position.