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Soft tissue infections after open lacrimal surgery
1Moorfields Eye Hospital, London.
Ophthalmology
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Routine antibiotic prophylaxis significantly reduces soft tissue infection rates following open lacrimal surgery. This study found a 5-fold decrease in infections when antibiotics were administered post-operatively.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Infections
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Soft tissue infection is considered uncommon after open lacrimal surgery.
- This study investigates infection rates and the impact of antibiotic prophylaxis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of soft tissue infection after open lacrimal surgery.
- To evaluate the efficacy of early antibiotic prophylaxis in preventing post-operative infections.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of case notes from two patient groups undergoing open lacrimal surgery.
- Group 1 (152 patients) did not receive post-operative antibiotic prophylaxis.
- Group 2 (128 patients) received post-operative antibiotic prophylaxis.
Main Results:
- Infection rates were 7.9% (12/152) without prophylaxis versus 1.6% (2/128) with prophylaxis (P < 0.02).
- Silicone intubation did not influence infection rates.
- Previous facial trauma was associated with a significantly increased infection risk (P < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Soft tissue infection occurs in approximately 8% of patients undergoing open lacrimal surgery.
- Routine post-operative antibiotic administration can reduce infection rates five-fold.
- Silicone tubing does not elevate the risk of infection.