Is zero incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery achievable

Abstract

Purpose: For over 10 years, there have been zero cases of postoperative endophthalmitis (POE) after cataract surgery at Chatswood Private Hospital (CPH), Sydney, Australia. Study design: We conducted a retrospective audit study to evaluate the reasons for this, as well as the different preferences for route of antibiotic prophylaxis used. Methods: Deidentified data on cataract surgery cases for 2010–2020 were extracted and analyzed descriptively. Results: A total of 28,937 cataract surgery cases were performed at CPH from 2010-2020, for which no cases of POE were identified. The intracameral route for antibiotic prophylaxis was more commonly used compared to subconjunctival or both. Conclusion: Administration of prophylactic antibiotics, regardless of the route of administration, is beneficial and equally effective in preventing POE. Having operating theatres dedicated to ophthalmology helps maintain high standards of sterility of instrumentation and operating environments.