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Dropped Nucleus-When Does it Happen and what should be Done-A Review in one Center

Thanigasalam Thevi, Adinegara Lufti Abas

Thanigasalam Thevi, MS Ophthalmology, Ophthalmologist, Hospital Melaka, Jalan Mufti Haji Khalil, Melaka, Malaysia
Adinegara Lufti Abas, Deputy Dean, Professor and HOD Department of Community Medicine, Melaka Manipal Medical College, Jalan Padang Jambu, Melaka, Malaysia

Conflict-of-interest statement: The author(s) declare(s) that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

Open-Access: This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http: //creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Correspondence to: Thanigasalam Thevi, Department of Ophthalmology, Jalan Mufti Haji Khalil, 75400, Melaka, Malaysia.
Email: 111thevi@gmail.com
Telephone: + 062925849

Received: December 8, 2016
Revised: January 3, 2017
Accepted: January 5, 2017
Published online: March 25, 2017

ABSTRACT

AIM: A dropped nucleus is a nightmare for any cataract surgeon but as in all surgeries, complications are unavoidable. What is important is to recognize the occurrence of complications and to identify the causes and take measures to prevent them in future. We recently had a rise in dropped nuclei occurring in our center. This study was done to identify causes and associations of dropped nuclei in order to improve patients' outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of dropped nucleus from June 2014 to January 2015 was done. Types of cataract, ocular and systemic comorbidities, point of occurrence of dropped nuclei, subsequent complications and management and final visual outcome were noted.

RESULTS: Eight dropped nuclei occurred during various stages of cataract surgery contributing 0.6% of total cataract operations. Not stopping phaco once a posterior capsule rupture (PCR) occurred, lead to dropped nucleus. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) was delayed or not done –leading to rise in intraocular pressure with resultant punctate epithelial erosions and retinal detachment and poor visual outcomes.

CONCLUSION: PCR must be recognized and appropriate steps taken to prevent a nucleus from dropping. Once a nucleus has dropped, early PPV should be done to prevent further complications that lead to poor vision.

Key words: Dropped nucleus; Point of occurrence; Outcomes

© 2017 The Author(s). Published by ACT Publishing Group Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thevi T, Abas AL. Dropped Nucleus-When Does it Happen and what should be Done-A Review in one Center. International Journal of Ophthalmic Research 2017; 3(1): 211-213 Available from: URL: http: //www.ghrnet.org/index.php/ijor/article/view/1941

INTRODUCTION

Cataract is a leading cause of blindness in Malaysia (39%)[1]. A dropped nucleus is a nightmare for any cataract surgeon. First a posterior capsule rupture occurs, and if not recognised and managed appropriately, can lead to a dropped nucleus which can then lead to a series of other complications such as raised intraocular pressure, corneal decompensation, cystoid macula oedema and retinal detachment which compromise vision.

Melaka Hospital is a state hospital serving a population of 821, 110[2]. Cataract surgeries are done by Specialists, Gazetting Specialists (Specialists who have passed postgraduate exams but are still under supervision) and Medical Officers. Due to a recent increase in dropped nuclei occurring during cataract surgery, this study was undertaken to study factors causing and associated with dropped nuclei in order to minimize the occurrence in future. A study on point of occurrence of posterior capsule rupture has been conducted in the hospital[3].

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis of dropped nuclei from June 2014 to January 2015 was done. Type of cataract, grade of surgeon operating, presenting visual acuity, systemic and ocular comorbidities were noted from the case notes. The technique of phacoemulsification, point of occurrence of dropped nucleus and the further management once it occurred were studied. Subsequent surgeries done and all postoperative complications were noted. Final best corrected visual acuities were recorded once they were stable and no further intervention was required. The best corrected visual acuities were based on refractions done by hospital Optometrists.

Results

As noted in Table 1, there were a total of 1199 patients that were admitted and operated upon for cataract surgeries in Hospital Melaka between June 2014 and January 2015.

The mean age of these patients was 65.8 years of age (Table 1). The patients comprised of 53.7% females and 46.2% males (Table 1). The main ethnic groups that were operated upon comprised of the Malays (51.3%) followed by Chinese (33.1%) and the Indians (10.3%).

There was no intra-operative complication in 95.8% of the 1199 cataract operations between June 2014 and January 2015.

Among 50 cataract operation complications, posterior capsule rupture was the commonest complication recording 3.0% of the total cataract operations, followed by vitreous loss (1.4% of total cataract operations), zonular dehiscence (0.7%), dropped nucleus (0.6%) and other intra-operative complications (0.3%) as shown in Table 2.

Nuclei dropped at various stages of phaco, mostly in the hands of Specialists as shown in Table 3. None were dense cataracts. Although 5 patients had Hypertension, none had raised blood pressure intraoperatively. There were 3 Diabetics. None had ocular comorbidities such as high myopia, pseudoexfoliation, or previous vitrectomy, which are associations of intraocular complications.

In some, Posterior capsule rents were recognized but phaco was continued and the nuclei dropped. A number of patients had a rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) prior to Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) requiring glaucoma medications. Raised IOP persisted in those who did not have PPV. Good visual outcomes were seen in those who had early PPV.

Delaying or not doing a PPV resulted in poorer outcomes due to Punctate Epithelial Erosions (PEEs), Cystoid Macula Oedema (CMO) and Retinal Detachment (RD).

Table 1 Descriptive statistics of basic variables among patients undergoing cataract operation, Hospital Melaka, June 2014 to January 2015
VariablesValues
Age (Mean + Standard Deviation)65.8 + 9.3
Gender 
Female644 (53.7)
Male554 (46.2)
Ethnicity 
Chinese397 (33.1)
Indian124 (10.3)
Malay616 (51.3)
Other9 (0.7)
Total1199 (100.0)

Table 2 Types of cataract operation complications, Hospital Melaka, June 2014 to January 2015
Variables Values No (%)
Types of cataract operation complications
Posterior capsule rupture36 (3.0%)
Vitreous loss17 (1.4%)
Zonular dehiscence9 (0.7%)
Dropped nucleus8 (0.6%)
Other intra-operative complications4 (0.3%)
No intra-operative complication1149 (95.8%)
Total1199 (100.0)

Table 3 Characteristics, management details and visual outcomes of dropped nuclei cases.
Demographic FeaturesType of cataract Preoperative VisionStatus of SurgeonStage Nucleus DroppedManagementVisual Outcome
66/Ch/FNS2 PSC, 6/60Spec After 1st piece removed. piece dropped.PPV+anterior vitrectomy+nucleus removal+sulcus PCIOL placed after 2 weeks +1.50/-3.75x60‘6/18.N10@30cm. Few PEE. Mild NPDR after 1 year.
71/Ch/FNS2 PSC, 6/18Spec After 1st piece removed. piece dropped.Sulcus IOL placed in same sitting. Topical glaucoma drugs for raised IOP. PPV+anterior vitrectomy after 12 days.-1.50/-0.50x170 6/60. N60@30cm. PEE. CMO.
55/Mal/MWhite Cataract, HMSpec During last segment removal. piece dropped.Raised IOP for 4 months, controlled with systemic and topical glaucoma drugs. Small nucleus still persisted 4 months later. Patient then defaulted.-1.00/-1.25x100 6/36. N36@30cm.
68/Ch/FNS1 PSC, 6/36MOPC rent noticed during 2nd segment removal. Phaco continued.1/8th piece dropped.Sulcus IOL placed in same sitting. Raised IOP after 1 week-controlled with systemic and topical glaucoma drugs. Diagnosed as steroid responder at 14 weeks postoperatively with IOP 30mmHg. Topical steroids taken off and topical glaucoma medications maintained. IOP controlled at 16 weeks postoperatively but PEEs and AC cells persisted. At 6 months postoperatively, epinucleus was seen inferiorly on the retina and a small tear . Was located inferotemporally with a shallow RD. The tear was lasered but the uptake was poor due to SRF. PPV+EL+SRF drainage+ILM peel+C3F8 injection were done a week later. A retinal tear with operculum was detected and lasered intraoperatively.HM. Cornea hazy. PEE. Retina flat.
68/Mal/MNS2 PSC, 6/18SpecAfter 3rd piece removed.Raised IOP controlled with oral and topical glaucoma drugs. PPV+lens fragmentation+ACIOL+ PI after 1 weekPlano 6.75. +3.00 DS N6
74/In/FCF 1 footSpecPC rent noticed during last segment removal. 1/4 piece dropped.Anterior vitrectomy+ ACIOL placed in the same sitting. Raised IOP treated with topical glaucoma drugs. Folded PC , cortical matter and vitreous were seen in AC.6/60. PEE. Hazy fundus view.
      
66/Ch/FNS2 PSC, 6/60SpecPC rent noticed after 2nd piece removed. Phaco continued. Last piece dropped.PPV+lens fragment removal+sulcus IOL placed 1 week later.+0.50/-1.50x90 6/6. +1.00 DS N5@30cm
61/Ch/FNS2 PSC, 6/24SpecPC rent noticed during sculpting. Phaco continued. Epinucleus dropped. Sulcus PCIOL placed in the same sitting. Raised IOP treated with topical glaucoma medications. PPV+epinucelus removal+cryotherapy done after 10 days. Multiple small retinal tears were found.Pl/-0.50x100 6/6. +2.50 DS N5@30cm
Spec-Specialist, MO-Medical officer

DISCUSSION

There were a total of 1199 patients who were admitted and operated upon for cataract surgeries in Hospital Melaka between June 2014 and January 2015 with dropped nucleus complications contributing 0.6% of total cataract operations.

Most dropped nuclei occurred in the hands of Specialists who were still learning phaco. Aasuri et al[4] (2001) found dropped nucleus occurring more among less experience surgeons (p = 0.007). Majority were Nuclear Sclerosis (NS2) with Posterior Subcapsular cataract (PSC). Ocular comorbidities such as polar cataracts, pseudoexfoliation and subluxated lenses and systemic rise of blood pressure did not contribute to the dropped nuclei.

Nuclei dropped at various stages of phacoemulsification done by divide and conquer technique. We could not find literature on the point of occurrence of dropped nucleus.

In one case, posterior capsule rent (PCR) was recognized after first segment removal, but continuation of phaco resulted in a dropped nucleus. Here phacoemulsification should have been stopped and manual extraction of nucleus should have been done. In other cases, the occurrence of PCR was not recognized by the surgeon. The surgeon should have a high index of suspicion of a PCR and learn to recognize the signs early. These signs are visible linear lines, visible vitreous, sudden deepening of anterior chamber, tilting of the nucleus, brightening of the fundus glow or the pupil snap sign.

Although most complications occurred in the hands of Specialists, they were fairly junior. We were unable to pin point the exact reasons for the dropped nuclei to happen. No case was reported to have a hard cataract or small pupil or pseudoexfoliation which are all risk factors for intraoperative complications. In some cases the surgeon was very confident and had continued phaco, but unfortunately it resulted in the nucleus dropping. We propose that all cases be videotaped and recordings be viewed later to pin point the problem to avoid this from occurring in future. It is also advisable for surgeons with dropped nuclei to have a more competent surgeon to observe and try to help the surgeon to rectify the mistakes, which will then benefit patients’ outcomes.

There was a delay in performing or not doing PPV which resulted in raised IOP and even RD occurring and compromising vision. Studies showed that early PPV was advantageous as there was less rise in IOP[5-8], less inflammation and less risk of RD and to restore good outcome. Tajunisah et al[9] found no difference in visual outcomes between early and late vitrectomy, but all patients in their series had vitrectomy within 2 months.

Surgeons should be able to take measures by recognizing and taking appropriate measures including early PPV as soon as PCR has occurred to obtain good visual outcomes and preventing the complications of dropped nucleus. We recommend vitreo retinal surgeons be placed in all General Hospitals and all cases undergo PPV with retrieval of the nucleus soon to prevent further complications associated with it.

Future studies should be done to analyse details of intraoperative complications as a whole at the hospital and noting the situations at which all forms of PCR and dropped nuclei occurred.

Acknowledgement

We thank the Director General of Health Malaysia for granting permission to publish this study.

REFERENCES

1. Zainal M, Ismail SM, Ropilah AR, Elias H. Prevalence of blindness and low vision in Malaysian population: results from the National Eye Survey 1996. Br J Ophthalmol. 2002 Sep; 86(9): 951-956.

2. www.citypopulation.de/php/malaysia-admin.php?adm1id=04. Melaka Federal State (City Population). Accessed on 05/08/2015.

3. Thevi T, Sahoo S, Mariana M. Posterior capsule rupture with/without vitreous loss in a hospital in Malaysia. Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology 02/2015; 4(3): 1. [DOI: 10.1097/APO.0000000000000056. cxz]

4. Aasuri MK, Kompella VB, Majji AB. Risk factors for and management of dropped nucleus during phacoemulsification. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2001 Sep; 27(9): 1428-1432.

5. Salehi A, Razmju H, Beni AN, Beni ZN. Visual outcome of early and late pars plana vitrectomy in patients with dropped nucleus during phacoemulsification. J Res Med Sci. 2011 Nov; 16(11): 1422-1429.

6. Koç H, Koçak İ, Bozkurt S. Retinal detachment after vitrectomy performed for dropped nucleus following cataract surgery: a retrospective case series. Int J Clin Exp Med. 2015 Mar 15; 8(3): 4591-5. eCollection 2015.

7. Zafar S, Kamil Z, Bohkari SA, Shakir M. Visual outcome for dropped nucleus after phacoemulsification. Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan 2012, Vol. 22(6): 367-370.

8. Al-Amri AM. Visual outcome of pars plana vitrectomy for retained lens fragments after phacoemulsification. Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol. 2008 Jul; 15(3): 107-11. [DOI: 10.4103/0974-9233.51984]

9. Tajunisah I, Reddy SC. Dropped nucleus following phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Medical Journal of Malaysia. 2007 Dec; 62(5): 364.

Peer reviewer: Chang Qiu

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