Traumatic wound dehiscence following cataract surgery: a thing of the past?

Purpose This study compares the frequencies of traumatic wound dehiscence following extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) and following phacoemulsification through a self-sealing corneoscleral tunnel. Methods A retrospective review was performed of the surgical record at a British eye hospital from September 1986 to August 1993 and January 1996 to December 1998. Cases requiring surgical repair of wound dehiscence following cataract extraction were identified. The frequencies of traumatic wound dehiscence following ECCE and phacoemulsification were compared using a two by two contingency table (chi-square test). Results Twenty-one cases of traumatic wound dehiscence were identified following 5600 ECCEs (0.4%). In 4200 phacoemulsification procedures only one case of traumatic wound dehiscence was identified (0.02%) (p = 0.0006, OR 15.8, chi (2) = 11.69). Conclusion Phacoemulsification through a self-sealing corneoscleral tunnel is associated with significantly less risk of traumatic wound dehiscence than is extracapsular cataract extraction. The case of wound rupture following phacoemulsification is discussed with reference to a mechanism for the injury.