Munich - An ophthalmologist should have carried out at least 300 surgeries under supervision before he independently operated on to opacify the lens. This is what the (DOG) demands and now sees itself confirmed by new study from Freiburg. "Even if the cataract operation is routine procedure, complications can arise," explains DOG General Secretary Thomas Reinhard. The ability and experience of the operating ophthalmologist are decisive for the safety of the patient, emphasizes the Managing Medical Director of the.
With around 600,000 operated eyes per year, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures in Germany. The ophthalmologist exchanges the clouded eye lens for an artificial lens and thus restores the patient's vision.
A study by the Freiburg University Clinic has now proven that the requirements of the professional association are justified by examining total of 5,475 cataract operations 13 surgeons with different levels of experience. On the basis of the operation reports, the ophthalmologists researched whether damage to the posterior capsule of the eye lens had occurred after the operation - the most common and dangerous complication that occurs in cataract surgery.
Using the data, the ophthalmologists created learning curve that shows an ophthalmologist's craftsmanship in relation to his or her experience. Accordingly, the risk of complications, at four percent, is highest in young surgeons who have performed fewer than 300 operations. This risk decreases up to 1,500. Intervention and beyond that to one percent or less.
"The results show that the minimum requirements of the DOG are suitable measure to improve the quality of cataract surgery," says Reinhard. Young doctors with less than 300 cases of experience should always be guided by colleague.
7
0
Do you want a website?