Second Victim Syndrome In Cataract Surgery: Psychological Burden And Associated Risk Factors
Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: FP16.02 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/8jsb-cv97
Authors: A/Prof. Chaimae Khodriss* 1 , A/Prof. Meriem El Bahloul 1
1Ophthalmology department, Faculty of medicine and Pharmacy of Tangier, Abdelmak Essaadi University,Tangier,Morocco
Purpose
Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed ophthalmic procedure worldwide and carries high functional expectations. Intraoperative adverse events (IAEs), even when managed appropriately, may trigger Second Victim Syndrome (SVS) in surgeons. This study aimed to evaluate the psychological burden related to IAEs during cataract surgery and to identify associated risk factors among ophthalmic surgeons.
Setting
Nationwide cross-sectional survey of ophthalmologists registered with the Moroccan Society of Ophthalmology, including residents, specialists, and academic surgeons practicing in private, public, and academic sectors.
Methods
A 58-item web-based questionnaire was distributed to 764 ophthalmologists. The survey included demographic and surgical practice characteristics, exposure to IAEs during cataract surgery, and assessment using the validated French version of the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (SVEST). Descriptive statistics and ANOVA were performed to identify factors associated with increased psychological and professional impact (p<0.05).
Results
Among 217 respondents (28.4%), 93.1% routinely performed cataract surgery. IAEs were reported by 94.5%, predominantly during cataract procedures. Emotional distress was described by 92.7% of surgeons. Exhaustion (70.7%), sleep disturbance (67.8%), and professional self-doubt (44.9%) were frequent manifestations of SVS. Female gender, private sector practice, and fewer than five years of surgical experience were significantly associated with greater psychological burden (p≤0.02). Despite 75% valuing peer support, 70% reported lack of structured institutional support.
Conclusions
Second Victim Syndrome is highly prevalent among cataract surgeons experiencing intraoperative adverse events. Early-career surgeons, women, and private practitioners appear particularly vulnerable. Given the high volume and elective nature of cataract surgery, structured peer-support and institutional prevention programs are essential to protect surgeon well-being and maintain patient safety standards.