Fast-flow femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery possible in well-organized clinic

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Efficiently organized teamwork can greatly improve patient flow and shorten surgical times in femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, according to one surgeon.

"The femtosecond laser slowed down the flow in the surgery at first, but today, with nearly 2,000 successful procedures performed at our clinic, we can say that turnover is faster than ever," Pavel Stodulka, MD, said at the meeting of the European Society of Ophthalmology.

Pavel Stodulka

Thirty-five procedures a day on average, with peaks up to 90 procedures on some occasions, are currently performed at the clinic in the Czech Republic, with the highest number performed so far with the Victus system (Bausch + Lomb Technolas).

The laser is kept in a separate room, next to the operating room, and is usually operated by a resident, using topical anesthesia, no drape and no speculum. The patient then walks to the operating bed, where a surgeon performs the intraocular stages of the procedure.

"Two people, resident and surgeon, work on each patient, and the same surgeon works in two operating theaters. Other members of staff are involved in the preliminary stages, from admission and preoperative measurements to patient preparation," Stodulka said.

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery comes in a package with premium lenses.

"It fits well with the concept of premium lens implantation. People who want surgery with the latest technology come to us from all over the country and also from abroad," Stodulka said.

All types of cataract can be treated, he said.

"We were surprised on how well we can manage very complicated cases, like weak zonules, and also pediatric cases," Stodulka said.

Disclosure: Stodulka is a consultant to Bausch + Lomb.