Assessment of perceived difficulties by residents in performing routine steps in phacoemulsification surgery and in managing complications

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the perceived difficulties of residents in performing the routine steps of phacoemulsification surgery and in managing complications. Design: Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. Participants: Thirty-six residents performing phacoemulsification during their learning curve. Methods: On an 8-point Likert scale, residents noted comfort levels with various steps of cataract surgery and with managing complications. Results: The respondents were grouped into Group 1 (second-year residents, n = 19) and Group 2 (third-year residents, n = 17). Residents in Group 2 had greater surgical experience than residents in Group 1 (p = 0.001). The most difficult step in cases of pha..