Archives of Hellenic Medicine

Last update:

03-Dec-2009

Arch Hellen Med, 26(5), September-October 2009, 663-667

ORIGINAL PAPER

Preferred prophylactic strategies against postoperative endophthalmitis in cataract patients:
A pilot study among Greek ophthalmic surgeons

Α. MANDALOS,^1,2 Ν. DERVENIS,¹ Μ. MIRONIDOU-TZOUVELEKI¹
¹1st Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki,
²1st University Ophthalmology Clinic, "AHEPA" Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece

OBJECTIVE To conduct a pilot survey among Greek ophthalmic surgeons regarding the preferred prophylaxis strategies against postoperative endophthalmitis in cataract patients.

METHOD A structured questionnaire regarding the use of prophylactic measures before, during and after cataract surgery was used. The sample comprised fifty two ophthalmic surgeons who worked in public hospitals of Northern Greece. The survey was conducted between May and August 2008.

RESULTS The majority of cataract surgeons preferred the intracameral injection of antibiotics during the operation.

CONCLUSIONS The best method of prophylaxis against postoperative endophthalmitis remains a hotly debated issue. This pilot study demonstrates that the majority of ophthalmic surgeons in Northern Greece comply with the results of the recent multicenter prospective study of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), which proposes intracameral cefuroxime injection as the best prophylactic strategy.

Key words: Antibiotics, Cataract surgery, Endophthalmitis, Prophylactic strategy.