Comparison of Modified Prechop Technique With a Novel Prechopper With Stop-Chop Technique in 225 Eyes of 149 Dogs With Hard Cataracts Regarding CDE and Postoperative Complications.

Prechop technique reduces energy use and complications in canine hard cataract surgery.

This comparative study evaluated the efficacy and safety of modified prechop versus stop-chop phacoemulsification techniques in canine hard cataracts across 225 eyes from 149 dogs. A species-specific prechopper (3.5-5.0 mm width) was designed based on measured canine anteroposterior lens diameter (7.40 ± 0.99 mm) and anterior chamber depth (2.54 ± 0.75 mm). One hundred ten eyes underwent prechop phacoemulsification while 115 eyes received stop-chop surgery. The prechop technique demonstrated significantly lower cumulative dissipated energy (CDE: 53.93 ± 15.29 vs. 78.32 ± 21.32, p < 0.001) and reduced postoperative aqueous flare incidence (35.14% vs. 58.59%). Overall complications were lower in the prechop group (35.2% vs. 56.7%), with particularly lower glaucoma incidence (5 vs. 3 eyes). Vision retention rates were comparable between groups at final follow-up (95.7% vs. 92.9%). Strong correlation was demonstrated between CDE and complication severity. The authors conclude that prechop technique with the novel prechopper offers a safer, more efficient alternative for canine cataract phacoemulsification, particularly for cases requiring substantial nuclear fragmentation energy.

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