title: Scleral buckle removal following retinal reattachment surgery: clinical and microbiologic aspects.
abstract: Scleral buckle infection following retinal reattachment surgery is infrequent but not rare. We identified 45 cases among approximately 3000 scleral buckling procedures performed at our institution between July 1, 1985 and July 1, 1991. The scleral buckle was exposed in all 45, and the subsequent microbiologic culture was positive in 33. The most common causative organism was coagulase negative staphylococci (17 of 33 cases with positive cultures). Risk factors for an adverse outcome included positive culture, preoperative vision < or = 20/200, and preoperative retinal detachment. Broad spectrum antibiotics covered organism sensitivity profiles in 16 of the 18 cases tested. Prompt removal of infected buckles and treatment with broad-spectrum topical antibiotics are important for maintaining vision.
authors.affiliation: Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Fla.
authors.forename: W E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Smiddy
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: H W
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Flynn
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000601:surgery*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012591:Scleral Buckling / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014792:Visual Acuity
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions