Low complication rate with cataract operations carried out by registrars in ophthalmology

Objective. To determine the complication rate of cataract operations and learning curve of registrars in ophthalmology. Design. Retrospective, descriptive investigation. Method. 982 consecutive cataract operations performed by registrars in ophthalmology at University Medical Centre Utrecht and the Meander Medical Centre, Amersfoort, the Netherlands, were evaluated for complications. Of patients in whom a complication occurred, the nature of the complication, any possible follow-up operation, and best corrected visual acuity before and following operation were assessed, as well as the stage of training the registrar was at. Results. The most important complications occurred in the following frequencies: endophthalmitis o%, posterior capsule rupture with vitreous loss 1.32%, dropped nucleus 0.2%. Four patients required a second operation. There were no statistically significant differences in complication rate between the three phases of the training. In all patients with complications the best corrected visual acuity was more than 0.5. Conclusion. The complication rate was smaller than described in the literature and comparable with rates known for ophthalmologists. Training in cataract surgery does not lead to irresponsible risks for the cataract patient. The combination of training in both a university hospital and a general hospital has several advantages for a registrar in ophthalmology.