Phaco training

 

Phaco training course outside the operating theatre

Laboratory practice provides surgeons with the opportunity to gain skills in a controlled
environment without the pressure of operating on real patients

The steps of cataract extraction are practiced in wet laboratories with either cadaveric
human or animal models or synthetic eyes designed specifically for phacoemulsification.

Phaco training course program

During the Phaco training course, the surgeon needs to gradually practice the steps, including:

First step : intraocular lens (IOL) implantation

Second step: incision construction

Third step: cortex removal

Forth step: continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis.

Fifth step: nucleus fragment emulsification.

What are the steps you need to know during the phaco course?

Step 1: Study the Fundamentals

The first step is to learn the basics of phacoemulsification.
Focusing on the basic concepts at this point is advisable instead of studying the nuances,
like: the fundamentals of different phaco machines, the utilization of necessary materials
and instruments, the anesthesia settings, and the procedures involved in phaco
surgery and their significance.

Step 2: Build Manual Dexterity

To be successful in training as a surgeon, it’s important to practice bimanual coordination,
minimize tremors, and develop spatial awareness of their hands.
Before commencing work under a microscope, these goals can be achieved to a certain extent.
Practicing suturing in a wet lab and placing sutures for trauma patients in an emergency
department can help improve manual dexterity.

Step 3: Basic Phaco Steps

The phaco procedure is typically divided into stages, with the first step being draping
and speculum insertion and then finishing with phacoemulsification itself.
The most difficult phaco steps to perform are creating and dividing the nucleus,
as many ophthalmologists agree.

The doctor must know what complications may occur during this stage,
the most important complications to recognize include radial tears in the capsulorhexis margin,
posterior capsular rupture, and a run-out capsulorhexis

Some signs of posterior capsular rupture include an iris snip, vitreous prolapse,
and shallowing of the anterior chamber

Recognizing such signs as early as possible will enable better handling of complications.

At the same time, new phaco surgeons need to practice skills under the microscope
in a wet lab or OR in surgery when possible.
This can help to build their confidence in handling a microscope, including how to gain optimal focus,
control pedals with different functions, and become familiar with the surgical view.

After completing these tasks, the surgeon can begin performing simple extraocular surgeries,
such as removing benign masses in the adnexal region,
removing suture threads from the cornea, and removing pterygiums under a microscope.
By practicing these operations, the trainee’s fear of intraocular surgery can be reduced.
The use of surgical videos can assist in the study and improvement of manual dexterity

Step 4: Perform a Full Phaco Procedure

Before performing a full phaco surgery, it is essential to master the handling of intraocular
instruments and be aware of common complications and strategies for their management.

Step 5: Use your mentors

Make it a point to have regular discussions and exposure to the operating room with faculty.
By doing this, you can establish a meaningful mentorship and gain the most valuable
knowledge from more experienced surgeons.

Step 6: Watch surgical videos

Video presentations are also a great way to become acquainted with surgical cases

You can also check:

vitreoretinal surgery course
lasik training
phakic iol implantation
extracapsular cataract extraction
laser cataract course
surgical retina fellowship
phacoemulsification training course
conductive keratoplasty