CATARACT SURGEON'S OPINIONS: SURGICAL COMPLICATIONS AND FACTORS AFFECTING SURGICAL OUTCOMES IN SUDAN

Aim: Is to determine cataract surgical complications and factors affecting surgical outcomes in Sudan from surgeon's perspectives.

Methods: Pilot study was conducted in Makkah Eye Complex (a voluntary organization; a tertiary eye care center) in Khartoum Alryad; in July 2010. Cataract surgeons 22 (100%) their age varies from 34 to 60 yrs were asked to participate in the study. Participation was entirely voluntary. Information was collected by means of interviews and questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Predictive Analytic Software (PASW) statistics-18 (2010) a modified version of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

Results: Intra-operative complications (50%); the most common intra-operative complication reported were posterior capsule rupture (18%), vitreous loss (12%), iris abnormalities (8%), IOL subluxation (8%) and incomplete cortical clean up (4%). Early post-operative complications (18%) and late post-operative complications (14%) had covered wide range.

The outcomes of cataract surgery measured in terms of visual acuity, functional impairment, complications, adverse medical events, and patient satisfaction. Failures to achieve satisfactory visual outcomes were reported to be due to multiple factors (96%) including all parameters investigated: Pre-operative clinical considerations, patient related, service, surgeon's skills, and quality of surgery.

Conclusions and Recommendations: From surgeon's opinions cataract surgery should not be performed under the following circumstances: Eyeglasses or visual aids provide vision (≥ 6/18) that meets the patient’s needs, surgery will not improve visual function, the patient cannot safely undergo surgery because of coexisting medical or ocular conditions and if appropriate postoperative care cannot be arranged. Surgical success is partially due to professional skills and partially due to patient compliance. Health education is highly recommended.