Phacoemulsification Surgical Report

Surgery: Phacoemulsification of the right eye Surgeon: Dr. Eleanor Vance, DVM, DACVO Patient: Bella (Canine) The patient, Bella, a 9-year-old female spayed Labrador Retriever, presented for surgical correction of cataracts in the right eye. General anaesthesia was induced using propofol and maintained with isoflurane. A topical nerve block with bupivacaine was performed. A 2.75mm clear corneal incision was created superiorly. A continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis was fashioned using micro-forceps. Phacoemulsification was performed using the Alcon Legacy 20000 machine, employing a divide-and-conquer technique to emulsify and aspirate the cataractous lens material. Hydrodissection and hydrodelineation were performed to separate the cortex from the nucleus. Intracameral cefazolin 1mg/ml was administered, and Healon GV (sodium hyaluronate 1.4%) was used as a viscoelastic to maintain the anterior chamber and protect the corneal endothelium during IOL insertion. The corneal incision was closed using a single 10-0 nylon interrupted suture, ensuring watertight apposition. Seidel test was negative at closure, indicating a well-sealed incision. Subconjunctival dexamethasone 2mg and cefazolin 25mg were administered at the end of the procedure. Intraocular lens placement: A single-piece, foldable acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) with +41.00 D power was implanted in the capsular bag of the right eye using an injector system. Lateral canthotomy (closed with Vicryl 6-0 if present): no Comments: The procedure was uneventful with good visualisation throughout. The lens material was successfully removed, and the IOL was well-centred within the capsular bag. Post-operative anterior chamber reaction was minimal. Treatment Plan: * Tobramycin ophthalmic solution 0.3%: 1 drop in the right eye three times daily for 2 weeks. * Prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension 1%: 1 drop in the right eye four times daily for 1 week, then tapered to twice daily for 2 weeks. * Oral Carprofen 2.2mg/kg: twice daily for 5 days for pain management. * Elizabethan collar to be worn at all times for 2 weeks. Re-examination: Follow-up examination is scheduled for 1 November 2024 (1-week post-op) and then at 1 month post-op. Contact the clinic immediately if any redness, swelling, discharge, or sudden vision changes are observed. Relevant Patient Photos: * Right eye, pre-operative mature cataract * Right eye, immediate post-operative clear cornea and well-centred IOL If you have any queries about this patient or any other cases do not hesitate to contact me. Yours sincerely, Dr. Eleanor Vance, DVM, DACVO Veterinary Ophthalmologist