Abstract
AIM: To report a large series of children having Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy in the operating room using the lateral decubitus position. • METHODS: Medical records of children who underwent Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy in the operating room at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago between September 2008 and April 2017 were reviewed. Induction of general anesthesia and intubation was performed in the supine position after which the patient was placed in lateral decubitus position. The Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was performed using a standard protocol. At the completion of the procedure, the patient was turned back into the supine position and extubated. • RESULTS: This study included 87 eyes of 60 patients. Patient’s age ranged from 1 to 18y (mean 6.4±4.1y). In most cases (84/87, 97%), the procedure was performed under general anesthesia. In all cases, good focus on the membrane was achieved, and the procedure was performed successfully. There were no intraoperative ocular or anesthesia-related complications. • CONCLUSION: When performing Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy in the operating room, the lateral decubitus position allows an easy and safe approach without the risk of potentially devastating complications that have been associated with the previously described sitting and prone positions. © 2019, International Journal of Ophthalmology (c/o Editorial Office). All rights reserved.