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A Critical Analysis Of The Management Of Acute Postcataract Surgery Endophthalmitis In The Gambia


CM Chuka-Okosa
HB Faal

Abstract

Objectives: To report the pattern of presentation and the outcome of management of postcataract surgery endophthalmitis at the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH), Banjul, The Gambia, and to critically analyse the methods employed.


Methods: The records of four consecutive cases of acute endophthalmitis following cataract surgery, seen over a one-year period (October 2000 to September 2001) at the eye unit of RVH, Banjul, were analysed.


Results: Early diagnosis of endophthalmitis, based on clinical signs only, was made within the first 14 post-operative days in all 4 patients (3 females and l male aged between 50 and 60 years.)


Prompt treatment with a variety of broad spectrum systemic, topical and subconjunctival antibiotics was administered to each patient. Despite this treatment, vision was eventually lost in all the eyes.


Conclusion: Because of the poor outcome of the treatment of these patients, one may conclude that the current management of acute postcataract surgery endophthalmitis in the Gambia does not seem to be effective.


A new evidence-based management protocol is proposed using the results of the Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study (EVS) as a guide.


Nigerian Jnl Ophthalmology Vol.11(2) 2003: 80-85

Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 2468-8363
print ISSN: 0189-9171