[Preoperative infection prophylaxis with 1% polyvidon-iodine solution based on the example of conjunctival...

Most germs causing postoperative endophthalmitis derive from the conjunctival bacterial normal flora. Postoperative endophthalmitis is often induced by staphylococcal germs. The application of polyvidone-iodine solution to the conjunctiva is one possibility to reduce potential endophthalmitis-causing bacteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 1% polyvidone-iodine solution concerning the reduction of colonization with staphylococci in the course of intraocular surgery. This is to evaluate the effectiveness of 1% polyvidone-iodine solution concerning coagulase-negative and positive staphylococci.

Patients with intrabulbar surgery (300) had three conjunctival swabs taken: the first immediately prior to preoperative preparation in the operating theatre, following in-patient application of antibiotic eye drops (Polymyxin-B-sulfat, Neomycinsulfat and Gramicidin in combination); the second swab was taken after antisepsis with polyvidone-iodine before opening the conjunctiva. At the end of surgery the third smear was taken.

In 30.3% staphylococci were isolated from eyes before disinfection. Some patients (7.7%) were staphylococci-positive after disinfection; 5.3% of the patients showed staphylococcal growth at the end of surgery. To evaluate the effectiveness of polyvidone-iodine 1% solution we compared the first and the second smear (Mc Nemar). We found a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.001). At the end of surgery the conjunctival colonization with staphylococcal germs remained statistically significant reduced (P < 0.001). The mean operation time was 37 +/- 24 min.

We concluded that a significant reduction of a staphylococcal colonization can be achieved by preoperative application of polyvidone-iodine (1%) (P < 0.001). Even at the end of surgery the effect of 1% polyvidone-iodine solution held.