Soft tissue infections after open lacrimal surgery.
BACKGROUND
Soft tissue infection after open lacrimal surgery is said to be uncommon. This study was designed to determine the rate of infection and the effect of early antibiotic prophylaxis after open lacrimal surgery.


METHODS
Two consecutive patient groups undergoing open lacrimal surgery were studied by review of case notes: the first group (152 patients) did not receive antibiotic prophylaxis after surgery, and the second group (128 patients) did.


RESULTS
Infection occurred in 2 of the 128 patients who were given prophylactic antibiotics (1.6%) and in 12 of the 152 patients who were not (7.9%; P < 0.02). Silicone intubation did not affect the infection rate, but patients who had sustained previous facial trauma did have a significantly increased rate of infection (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Soft tissue infection occurs in approximately 8% of patients after open lacrimal surgery. A 5-fold reduction in this rate can be achieved with routine administration of antibiotics after surgery. The use of silicone tubing does not increase the risk of infection.
Walland
M J
MJ
Moorfields Eye Hospital, London.
Rose
G E
GE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003607:Dacryocystitis / Q000209:etiology; D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007766:Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011292:Premedication; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents