Efficacy And Safety Of 7,146 High-Volume Phacoemulsification Surgeries In A Cataract Campaign In The Brazilian Amazon: Outcomes Comparable To International Benchmarks

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a high-volume cataract campaign comprising 7,146 consecutive phacoemulsification procedures performed in Rondônia, Brazilian Amazon, and to compare intraoperative complication rates with national and international benchmarks. The study investigates whether structured campaigns conducted with advanced surgical technology, standardized safety protocols, and experienced surgeons can achieve outcomes comparable to high-performance global centers, even in geographically remote and socioeconomically vulnerable populations.

High-volume cataract surgical campaign conducted in Rondônia, Northern Brazil, between June 2025 and February 2026. Procedures were performed in a structured campaign environment by three experienced cataract surgeons using standardized surgical protocols, modern phacoemulsification platforms, strict sterilization control, and organized postoperative follow-up in a resource-limited regional setting.

Retrospective descriptive study of 7,146 consecutive phacoemulsification procedures performed during a public health campaign. Patient screening and preoperative triage were conducted in partnership with the Saúde Link team. Surgeries were performed using advanced phacoemulsification systems under rigorous sterilization monitoring, including biological and chemical indicators and individualized surgical kits. Postoperative care followed a standardized protocol with scheduled follow-up at day 1, 7, and 30. Scientific review and case analysis were conducted by residents of the Institute Benetti de Oftalmologia.

Among 7,146 procedures, 93 intraoperative complications were recorded (1.30%). Posterior capsule rupture occurred in 72 cases and zonular dialysis in 14 cases, all managed intraoperatively with appropriate techniques. Five patients required extended management: one corneal decompensation, one fungal infection diagnosed one month postoperatively, and three retained nuclear fragments treated with pars plana vitrectomy. No cases of endophthalmitis were observed (0%). The overall complication rate is consistent with outcomes reported by high-volume international centers.

This large-scale cataract campaign demonstrates that high-volume surgery performed in geographically challenging and socioeconomically vulnerable regions can achieve complication rates comparable to international centers of excellence when conducted by experienced surgeons using advanced technology and strict safety protocols. Structured public health initiatives supported by standardized perioperative management, systematic quality control, and academic involvement can safely expand access to cataract surgery while maintaining global surgical standards.