Preparing for cataract surgery

“Psychological preparation is an integral part of surgery, and this applies similarly to both beginners and advanced surgeons,” Paul Rosen MD, Oxford, UK, told the Young Ophthalmologists Programme yesterday.

Dr Rosen’s goal was to inform the delegates about how to properly manage everything up until the start of the actual procedure. He referred delegates to several resources, such as iLearn, ESCRS’s online interactive platform; wetlabs and surgical skills courses; and surgical simulators like Eyesi by VRmagic.

“Take the time to closely observe surgery, both live, during your supervisor’s procedures, and on video, including smooth cases and challenging, complicated ones,” he said.

Preparation includes not only the obvious steps of familiarising oneself with the microscope, the phaco equipment and the surgical steps. It also involves understanding how to work with your team and with your patient, so that he or she is as relaxed and comfortable as possible.

“You should have a sort of contract with your supervisor prior to your first procedure, which includes a pre-op briefing and a discussion of how you will be talked through the procedure using per-op signals in case of a complication,” said Dr Rosen.

“There’s no shame in the supervisor taking over during a procedure,” said Dr Rosen. “This happens to everyone early on, and will tend to happen less often as you progress.”

And once the procedure has been completed, it’s on to the video, “preferably with your supervisor, so that efficiency can be evaluated and dangerous manoeuvers identified.”