Audit of cataract surgery at Groote Schuur Hospital

Abstract

To report on the visual outcomes and complications of cataract surgery done at a South African training hospital. Literature review and retrospective observational study of all patients undergoing cataract surgery on the cataract surgery project lists during 2006. Follow-up occurred till last discharge visit. Primary outcome: Uncorrected visual acuity at the last visit of 6/6 - 6/18 visual acuity was achieved in 73.56% of the phacoemlusifaction group and in 65.77% of the scleral tunnel extracapsular cataract extraction group. (p=0.103). Secondary outcomes: Intraoperative complications were noted in 7.34% in the phacoemulsification group and in 12.87% of the scleral tunnel extracapsular cataract extraction group. (p=0.031). The posterior capsule rupture rate was 3.94% in the phacoemulsification group and 7.6% in the scleral tunnel extracapsular cataract extraction group. (p=0.066).