What is the Cost of a Posterior Capsule Rupture Complication?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To examine the cost of a posterior capsule rupture (PCR) in patients who underwent planned phacoemulsification. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 8,113 cataract surgeries performed between January 2014 and December 2017 at one academic institution. The rate of PCR was 0.55%, and 34 patients with PCR who met inclusion criteria were identified. Investigators evaluated the added operating room time required to manage PCR, subsequent surgeon visits beyond the typical average, referrals to other specialties, further imaging, and additional required surgeries. RESULTS: Patients with PCR had an additional 2.76 (standard deviation [SD] ± 3.27) postoperative encounters and 3.06 (SD ± 3.78) visits to another subspecialty. Operating room time was found to average 61.43 minutes (range: 21 to 191 minutes) at an additional cost of $455.48 (SD ± $407.37). Additional visits, imaging, and procedures added $655.59 (SD ± $767.21). The total additional average cost was $1,111.07 (SD ± $1,021.20) per PCR. CONCLUSION: Posterior capsular ruptures impose a substantial cost burden on the health care system. [ Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2020;51:444–447.]