Edited by David K. Coats, MD Phacoemulsification Step By Step

Book Reviews Edited by David K. Coats, MD Phacoemulsification Step by Step Ric Caesar and Larry Benjamin. Butterworth-Heinemann, London; 2003. 112 pages $74.95 USD ISBN 0-7506-5616-6 Media type: Textbook (softcover) and CD-ROM Reviewed by Alan Sugar MD, Heidi E. Houlihan MD; Ann Arbor, MI Synopsis: This is an outstanding manual and video CD-ROM course for beginning cataract surgeons. Target Audience: Anterior segment surgeons. Review: This is a relatively unique learning resource for beginning phacoemulsification surgeons. It relies heavily on about 90 outstanding video clips, each a few seconds to a few minutes in duration, to illustrate the detailed steps in phacoemulsification and to demonstrate simple but ingenious learning drills. Reading the book and completely viewing the CD took a few hours for an experienced phacoemulsification surgeon, but of course may take longer for the intended audience. The authors are British, and their terminology and pace add a bit of charm to the presentations, at least for a colonial listener. The techniques are relatively basic, as is appropriate for novice surgeons. Only the “divide and conquer” nuclear sculpting approach is illustrated, and lens folding methods are not described. In keeping with the intent of this book, I had it reviewed by a third year ophthalmology resident. Her comments follow: “To a resident who has just begun performing cataract surgery, this video CD-ROM and companion book is very informative. It is full of great practice drills for preparation, both those that can be done in the wet lab and elsewhere. Although practice in the wet lab is essential, being able to practice several of the steps on fruit or newspaper, for example, allows the student to develop a feel for the technique if no practice eyes are available. It also allows one to practice a step over and over, without fear of “wasting” practice globes. The authors make the important point that one should get used to the operating microscope prior to surgery and suggest helpful exercises to do this. When learning phacoemulsification on practice globes, the authors also suggest that the student should experiment with instrument placement – observing the distortion of the globe, their range of motion, etc. This is excellent advice. The CD-ROM is easy to follow and understand and shows four videos for each step in phacoemulsification. The book is equally easy to read. The sections on complications and common errors are especially helpful. Each step is reviewed individually, and then there are 2 videos that show the entire procedure with narration. In the book, when listing management of possible complications, occasionally the authors write, “get help.” Some more detailed suggestions would be useful. More guidance with irrigation and aspiration would also be valuable, as this is when most capsular rents occur. It was puzzling, as well, that the authors suggested not inserting an IOL after dropping a nucleus, as the current literature teaches otherwise.” Overall, this CD-ROM and book are outstanding. We will encourage all of our residents to study this CD before beginning cataract surgery.

Announcements XXX International Congress of Ophthalmology to Take Place in Brazil in 2006 More information is available at www.ajo.com The XXX International Congress of Ophthalmology will take place in Sa˜o Paulo, Brazil in 2006 in conjunction with the XVI Pan American Congress of Ophthalmology, the XVI Brazilian Congress of Prevention of Ophthalmology, and the World Congress of Ophthalmology. The meeting will take place from February 21-24, 2006 immediately before Carnival. For more information on the meeting, visit www.ophthalmology2006.com.bror E-mail [email protected]