A Randomised Controlled Trial of Early Vitrectomy and Intravitreal Antibiotics for Post-operative Exogenous...

Postoperative bacterial endophthalmitis is an infection of the eye's internal tissues resulting from an intraocular procedure. The condition is uncommon but can cause severe and irreversible impairment of sight. Standard management involves administration of antibiotics with or without subsequent removal of the infected vitreous gel by vitrectomy surgery. Surgical intervention is typically reserved for infections that persist despite a period of medical management alone. We aim to determine whether outcomes can be improved by performing surgery without delay. To explore the feasibility of a definitive randomised controlled trial and to determine the number of participants required, we will conduct a multicentre feasibility trial. This trial will include 40 affected individuals, allocated randomly to either standard of care, being intravitreal antibiotic administration alone, or to early vitrectomy surgery in addition to antibiotic administration. We will determine the feasibility and size of a definitive trial by evaluating the participants and the outcomes for their sight. Research Ethics Committee approval (REC 20/WM/0264). Here we describe the trial protocol. Trial registration number:ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04522661.