title: Fungal endophthalmitis: an unusual complication of GI surgery and endoluminal vacuum therapy.
abstract: We present a case of endogenous fungal endophthalmitis arising as a complication of fungal septicaemia following gastrointestinal surgery, and subsequent treatment with endoluminal vacuum therapy (Endo-SPONGE, B Braun Medical Ltd). Our patient developed a pre-sacral collection due to an anastomotic leak post ileoanal pouch formation. Despite treatment with Endo-sponges and antibiotics, the patient suffered recurrent sepsis and the cavity failed to reduce in size. He developed red eyes and blurred vision, leading to the diagnosis of fungal endophthalmitis. Extended fungal cultures of the Endo-sponges and pouch effluent revealed Candida spp. This case is the first report of fungal endophthalmitis associated with Endo-sponge use and highlights the importance of fungal cultures in patients with ongoing sepsis.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, UK.
authors.forename: Megan
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1975-477X
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wood
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, UK.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, UK.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Witherspoon
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D057868:Anastomotic Leak / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D002176:Candida albicans; D041022:Candida tropicalis; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000150:complications*; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000601:surgery; D009877:Endophthalmitis / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016737:Proctocolectomy, Restorative / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018805:Sepsis / Q000382:microbiology; D015503:Surgical Sponges / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014618:Vacuum