Divide and Conquer: Establishing a Stable Foundation for Beginners

盧兆功 Chao-Kung LuTaiwan Speaker Divide and Conquer: Establishing a Stable Foundation for BeginnersThe divide and conquer technique is the fundamental method that every cataract surgeon begins their training with. The divide and conquer phacoemulsification technique involves several steps. First, a proper capsulorhexis and excellent hydrodissection are performed to ensure the nucleus can be rotated freely. Next, the surgeon creates a deep groove and then cracks the nucleus into four quadrants. Finally, the nucleus is emulsified and aspirated piece by piece. Pearls for this method include deeply debulking the nucleus before cracking, ensuring all pieces are broken up before removal to facilitate easier rotation and extraction, and having strategies for managing both soft and hard cataracts.