Modification of the no-stitch technique in extracapsular cataract extraction by a single radial suture. Effect on postoperative astigmatism

H Haberle, N Anders, S Drosch, DT Pham, J Wollensak

Self-sealing intrascleral wound construction with a trapezoidal 12-mm incision for extracapsular cataract extraction and implantation of a standard PMMA IOL with a 6.5-mm optical diameter using the no-stitch technique has been well established at our clinic since 1991. This technique allows cataract surgery in a nearly closed system. In consideration of our earlier results, the no-stitch technique was modified by a single perpendicular suture in the middle of the 12-mm incision to reduce postoperative induced astigmatism further. We examined 200 consecutive patients 6 months after surgery (no-stitch vs one-stitch wound closure). The preoperative average astigmatism was 0.86 +/- 0.68 D (1.01 +/- 0.95 D). Preoperatively 37% (47%) of the eyes had With the Rule Astigmatism and 47% (39%) Against the Rule Astigmatism. Six months after surgery 10% (8%) of the cases showed With the Rule Astigmatism and 72% (65%) Against the Rule Astigmatism. Induced astigmatism was stabilized to 1.43 +/- 0.87 D (2.11 +/-1.43 D). Compared with sutureless wound closure, the one-stitch technique had no long-term effect on the axes of astigmatism but significantly diminished induced astigmatism about 0.5 D.

Reprinted courtesy of: Ophthalmologe 1995; 92: 261-65
[Article in German]